Where Should I Start with Self-Studying Physics and Calculus for University?

[Awesomesauce]

Hi PF, first post here!

I am a current year 12 first year A level student in the UK, and will be applying to university in my next academic year, in september. I am on course to study physics, but I would like to self study to get a deeper understanding in physics, and the maths required before I go to university, and just to develop my physics and maths skills (should have done further maths :()
I am not really sure where to start, and would love for someone to guide me in the right direction. I have recently started learning (basic) differentiation, (maxima/min, higher derivatives etc) if that helps at all, and am also studying a mechanics aswell. In physics, I have completed my mechanics unit, and now studying the waves/electricity/intro to some QM concepts later.

So, I am a bit lost as to which books to get? I read that Calculus made easy is pretty good, and for the physics, The feynman lectures are quite a good side reference however they lack problems to do.

Thanks!

 

[cristo]

Are you taking maths/further maths?

 

[Kevin_Axion]

Calculus, you can't live without it. Anyways for intuition and basic introduction this is always a great resource: http://www.khanacademy.org/#Calculus.

 

[Awesomesauce]

Are you taking maths/further maths?

Yes, I am taking Maths, but not further maths. I am considering taking further maths in year 13.

 

[Awesomesauce]

I should have said, I am taking Maths with Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics.
I am likely to drop economics after year 12, and pick up further maths, depending on how well I do.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

I'm quite confused about the year 13, how many courses do you take each year?

 

[Awesomesauce]

I'm quite confused about the year 13, how many courses do you take each year?

Basically, the A levels (Years 12 and 13) and is the 2 year qualification before university. Normally people take 4 subjects, and drop a subject the 2nd year; but it can vary.
Me, I am almost 17, is taking maths, chemistry, physics and economics (+and compulsary crappy cultural studies). Next year in year 13, I will probably drop economics, and pick up AS (first year) further maths.

 

[cristo]

What's "maths with mechanics"? Things have changed a bit since my day. Or is it just that you take extra mechanics modules on top of the required core, mechanics and stats modules?

I would recommend taking at least the AS in further maths if you can fit that into year 13. I didn't take it, and felt a little behind when I first got to university (albeit to study maths). I caught up quite quickly, but I still think having done further maths would have benefitted me more than my other AS level (geography).

 

[Kevin_Axion]

It's different here, we go up to year 12 and my courses are: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science AP, Philosophy, English, Advanced Functions, and Calculus/Vectors.

 

[Awesomesauce]

What's "maths with mechanics"? Things have changed a bit since my day. Or is it just that you take extra mechanics modules on top of the required core, mechanics and stats modules?

I would recommend taking at least the AS in further maths if you can fit that into year 13. I didn't take it, and felt a little behind when I first got to university (albeit to study maths). I caught up quite quickly, but I still think having done further maths would have benefitted me more than my other AS level (geography).

Indeed! The mechanics is just an extra 4 modules on top of the required pure maths. Stats is the other optional one, but I opted for mechanics.

Thanks for the advice about the Fmaths bit. There is always that one subject a lot of us regret taking instead of something else. (For me that is economics).
Anyway, any specific books on calculus, other topics and physics you guys recommend?

 

[Shaun_W]

Definitely do further maths. Although many universities do not officially require it for physics (and engineering) courses, it's still a massive boost to your application and it'll also make your first year easier, too, which equals more drinking time.

 

[Awesomesauce]

Definitely do further maths. Although many universities do not officially require it for physics (and engineering) courses, it's still a massive boost to your application and it'll also make your first year easier, too, which equals more drinking time.

Ok! Thanks for the advice! I have decided to buy the feynman lectures for my birthday soon, with my christmas money! Is there any problems to accompany this text that I should consider buying aswell? Also, what level of calculus is required to understand this?
Do you know any calculus books that I should consider buying?

 

[cristo]

I've moved your question here. For future reference, you should use the HW forums for all such maths questions.

As for textbooks, I can't really advise since I'm not up to date...

 

[Shaun_W]

Ok! Thanks for the advice! I have decided to buy the feynman lectures for my birthday soon, with my christmas money! Is there any problems to accompany this text that I should consider buying aswell? Also, what level of calculus is required to understand this?
Do you know any calculus books that I should consider buying?

I'm afraid I can't since I've never bought any maths or physics textbooks.