Where can I go to start learning?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Taylor Christy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around guidance for a high school senior interested in majoring in physics. Participants explore pathways for learning physics, the importance of mathematical foundations, and resources for course sequences and textbooks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a linear pathway in learning physics and seeks advice on how to fill gaps in their knowledge.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of a solid mathematical foundation, highlighting the importance of calculus and other advanced mathematics for success in physics.
  • It is suggested that many colleges provide recommended course sequences for physics majors, which may include textbook recommendations.
  • A participant inquires about the original poster's current math level and whether they have taken a physics course involving electromagnetism.
  • The original poster confirms they have taken Calc 1 and covered some general concepts, but did not go in-depth.
  • Some participants express enthusiasm for physics from both a philosophical and applied mathematics perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a strong mathematical foundation for studying physics, but there is no consensus on a specific linear pathway or resources to follow, as suggestions vary.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying levels of experience among participants, with some lacking advanced physics and mathematics coursework, which may influence their perspectives on learning pathways.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering a major in physics, educators seeking to guide students, and individuals interested in the foundational requirements for studying physics at the undergraduate level.

Taylor Christy
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I want to major in physics. I love talking about physics concepts but I struggle with finding a linear pathway to follow. Where should I go to fill the holes of my learning and continue down the path?
 
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Hanging out at PF is a start :) Are you still in high school?
 
Where are you in school that you are considering this? The most important thing is, and I cannot stress this enough, is a solid mathematical foundation. High school physics and Physics 101 is solely rooted in algebra. To be a successful undergraduate Physics student you must be strong in calc 1, calc 2, and calc 3. These will be your best friends or worst enemies in your lower division courses. As you get further, ordinary/ partial differential equations and linear algebra will be the most important topics in your upper division courses. If you want to be a physicist because you think it is cool, you must extend beyond that and question whether you like these topics from a mind blowing/philosophical point of view or do you love the formulations of these ideas through applied mathematics.
 
Taylor Christy said:
I struggle with finding a linear pathway to follow

Many colleges and universities list a recommended course sequence for physics majors on their web sites. Sometimes they also list the textbooks that they use, or you can search in our Science and Math Textbooks forum for recommendations for specific courses.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Hanging out at PF is a start :) Are you still in high school?
@Greg Bernhardt I am a senior in high school (graduating in a few weeks). I have only taken one semester of physics in high school. Thanks for the tip! Will do!
@JohnPrior3 I like physics because of both of those things.
 
Taylor Christy said:
@Greg Bernhardt I am a senior in high school (graduating in a few weeks). I have only taken one semester of physics in high school. Thanks for the tip! Will do!
@JohnPrior3 I like physics because of both of those things.
What is your current math level? Have you taken a physics course that involves electromagnetism?
 
I have taken Calc 1. We didn't go in-depth, but we covered some general concepts.
 

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