Starting out new/College guidance

  • Context: Schools 
  • Thread starter Thread starter member 484449
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Guidance
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a new college student, Tobias, seeking guidance on studying math and physics, particularly in relation to his upcoming freshman year. The focus includes resources for learning math outside of college classes and advice on foundational knowledge in calculus as it relates to physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Tobias expresses excitement about starting college and his interest in double majoring in Math and Physics.
  • He seeks additional resources for learning math, particularly to support his understanding of physics topics like Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.
  • Participants suggest resources such as Khan Academy and specific forum sections for further learning.
  • There is a cautionary note about the challenges of calculus, emphasizing its importance as a foundational subject for physics and engineering.
  • Tobias mentions he is preparing for calculus by studying from a college calculus book over the summer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a strong foundation in calculus for success in physics and engineering, but there are no competing views presented in this discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific details on which math topics Tobias finds challenging, and the discussion does not delve into the depth of calculus or its applications in physics.

Who May Find This Useful

New college students interested in Math and Physics, individuals seeking study resources, and those looking for advice on foundational subjects in STEM fields.

member 484449
Hello, my name is Tobias. I will be starting my freshman year of college this fall. I am extremely interested in Math and Physics. I am double majoring in both of these areas, and I am very excited to learn more about each of these areas! I love Physics Forum so far, but its hard for me sometimes because I don't understand the math. I was wondering if anyone knows where I could learn the math for some of these topics besides college classes. I want to really get involved in this site. I am very interested in Relativity Physics and Quantum Mechanics. If someone could help me get more involved on here that would be great! Sorry if I have posted this in the wrong spot. This is my first post.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I will be taking calculus. I testing pretty well on the placement test. Thanks for the sources!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tobias,

Calculus is harder than it looks, and it is the foundation of virtually all physics and engineering. Make sure you understand it as well as you can before you start jumping ahead. Think about physics as a house. It's tempting to start putting in the windows and paint right away, but it will collapse if you don't have a good foundation (calculus).

Good luck this fall!
 
Of course it is! I am really determined to learn calculus. I have been working in a college calculus book a little bit just over the summer. Thanks for the help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
35
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
7K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
10K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K