What do I do to catch up on Physics 1?

[reby062001]

I am a nanobiology student about to start her 2nd year. This year I only had 2 physics courses and I did pretty bad in both. As I start my second year I would like to be very prepared in physics since we will have way more of this subject. Are there some books or tips you have to catch up on Physics 1? the topics I'd like to have a solid knowledge of are: dynamics(everything from momentum, to circular motion, energy, Newton's law), thermodynamics and electricity. It is mainly the basic classical physics that I don't know.

 

[hutchphd]

Most folks must learn physics a little at a time. So you need to always be current with the class To that end

1. Read carefully the assigned text before the lecture and look at the problems. If someone were to ask "what's today's lecture about?" you should be able to give them a two minute synopsis as you enter the lecture hall. Take notes only on the hard stuff not well explained in the text
2. Work assigned problems with enough time to spare that you can make up any deficiencies and finish. Write complete and concise solutions
3. Never think that you will study "later" for the final. Learn it Now. Your physics life will get much easier

For catchup, work problems and exercises from your text.
And, as a favor to me, never utter the phrase "is that going to be on the test?" If the prof is teaching it, it is important in her mind...that's why she gets the big bucks. Learn it Now

 

[CrysPhys]

I am a nanobiology student about to start her 2nd year. This year I only had 2 physics courses and I did pretty bad in both. As I start my second year I would like to be very prepared in physics since we will have way more of this subject. Are there some books or tips you have to catch up on Physics 1? the topics I'd like to have a solid knowledge of are: dynamics(everything from momentum, to circular motion, energy, Newton's law), thermodynamics and electricity. It is mainly the basic classical physics that I don't know.

* When does your second year start? That obviously limits what you can do.

* Were you unhappy with the text(s) you used during your first year? Unless something was amiss with them, the obvious approach is to review them (along with previous problem sets and exams): I assume your second year material will be based on your first year material, so you want to stay in sync.

 

[vela]

Do you know why you did poorly in the physics courses? You may want to address those issues before attempting to review by doing more of the same.

 

[reby062001]

* When does your second year start? That obviously limits what you can do.

* Were you unhappy with the text(s) you used during your first year? Unless something was amiss with them, the obvious approach is to review them (along with previous problem sets and exams): I assume your second year material will be based on your first year material, so you want to stay in sync.

I will start in September so I only have 1 month but I have a lot of free time. It might be a good idea to study on my textbook it wasn't that bad

 

[Delta2]

I will start in September so I only have 1 month but I have a lot of free time. It might be a good idea to study on my textbook it wasn't that bad

I don't think that 1 month is enough to catch up with the material of two courses, however with hard study (something like 6-8 hours per day) you might achieve something that would be much better than nothing.