The discussion revolves around recommendations for self-study books in college physics for someone transitioning from high school physics and currently enrolled in an ESL program. Participants explore the prerequisites for studying college-level physics, particularly the role of calculus in understanding fundamental concepts.
Participants generally agree on the necessity of calculus for studying college physics, but there is uncertainty regarding the adequacy of high school calculus in preparing for college-level courses. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific recommendations for self-study books and the participant's readiness based on their ESL status.
Limitations include varying definitions of "real physics," differing opinions on the sufficiency of high school calculus, and the participant's ESL status affecting their course options.
Ok, thanks! What do you mean by "real physics"?jtbell said:Have you studied any calculus yet? "Real Physics" starts in college/university with a calculus-based intro physics course using e.g. Halliday/Resnick/Walker Fundamentals of Physics. Use the forum search (upper right of the page if you're on a desktop or notebook computer) to "search this forum only" for "Halliday" and you'll probably find lots of threads comparing intro physics books.
This depends how far along you are with ESL. The college (community college) would give instruction using English. Check with the college to find about TEOFL from which this should indicate if you have good enough English to take the coursework you want, or what recommendation you could be given to what book to study from.Siberian Husky said:I graduated from high school this year. And now I am taking a ESL program. I have learned AP physics 2. I want to learn some college physics, but there is no physics courses in the program I am taking. Can you recommend some books, so I can learn some by myself?
Just about every member who responds will say Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1, at the very minimum, to begin 'real physics', for Fundamental Mechanics (Physics 1). The prerequisites for Calc 1 are INTERMEDIATE Algebra if not College Algebra, AND Trigonometry.Siberian Husky said:Ok, thanks! What do you mean by "real physics"?
I have learned Calculus AB in high schoolsymbolipoint said:Just about every member who responds will say Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1, at the very minimum, to begin 'real physics', for Fundamental Mechanics (Physics 1). The prerequisites for Calc 1 are INTERMEDIATE Algebra if not College Algebra, AND Trigonometry.
I am studying in a ESL program in a private university... I got conditional offer for this university. But this program don't have physics courses.symbolipoint said:This depends how far along you are with ESL. The college (community college) would give instruction using English. Check with the college to find about TEOFL from which this should indicate if you have good enough English to take the coursework you want, or what recommendation you could be given to what book to study from.
I think calculus AB in high school includes the most of calculus 1, right?symbolipoint said:Just about every member who responds will say Calculus & Analytic Geometry 1, at the very minimum, to begin 'real physics', for Fundamental Mechanics (Physics 1). The prerequisites for Calc 1 are INTERMEDIATE Algebra if not College Algebra, AND Trigonometry.
Not sure. The Calc1 from a UNIVERSITY or community college will teach and instruct about the basics of derivatives and integrals and might need or include the use of Trigonometry. Calc 1 is a prerequisite for Physics 1.Siberian Husky said:I think calculus AB in high school includes the most of calculus 1, right?