I need some orientation for Physics Major

In summary, the person is struggling in college and has a hard time catching up due to lack of math foundations and missing high school classes due to narcolepsy. He would appreciate any help given.
  • #1
sappho.poiesis
12
1
Hello everyone,

It's been a long time since I last posted in the forum, but I no longer have internet at home nor a lot of time either.

I'm majoring in physics, I've done pretty well so far, but it's been harder for me than it should be.

This is the consequence of two things:

First, I spent a lot of time in between high school and enrolling in a university.

So I forgot about everything I studied in high school, specially math and chemistry.

The other problem is I suffer from narcolepsy, so I missed classes in high school because of that.

So I've had a hard time in college catching up. I don't have trouble understanding what I'm being taught (like integrals or what they are etc), but I lack of an adequate math foundations. In physics for example I struggle with vectors. And in general I have some algebra and trigonometry problems.

My college teachers are there to teach me college calculus, not high school math or algebra. I've tried to "catch up" on my own, but I've found it difficult in the sense I don't know exactly what I should study, or the books I've found only cover subjects I already handle good enough. So I really don't know what to do.

I tried to pay for extra classes to a teacher but either he explains things I don't need to get explained or says my questions are too simple and I better read a book.

Other issue I had is with nomenclature in chemistry.

Anyways, could any of you give me any sort of orientation as to what subjects do I need to reinforce? what are good textbooks to achieve that? Or any online courses? I enrolled in some online courses in edx but I ended up with the same problem, the algebra I took taught me stuff I already knew.

So honestly I'm desperate and I really need to catch up. I really would appreciate all the help given.

Thanks a lot.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #4
It's an online system that is smart enough to figure out which areas you need more practice in.
 
  • Like
Likes sappho.poiesis
  • #5
Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes sappho.poiesis
  • #6
Dr. Courtney said:
It's an online system that is smart enough to figure out which areas you need more practice in.

I browsed the web and tried to figure it out but I don't know how to use the system,I just see the list with the subjects but don't know what else to do. :(

huntermux said:
Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!

Thank you, I will work with that! I've done well so far but it's been rally extenuating, I want to do as much as I can during my vacations :) So next semester I can simply focus on my subjects and not trying to catch up as I go!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes atyy
  • #7
In order to use the ALEKS system you need to pay for a monthly membership but they also have free trials on the site.
 
  • Like
Likes sappho.poiesis and Dr. Courtney
  • #8
Ohhh. Well I didn't find any free trials nor way to pay for a membership either. Although I'm afraid I might not be able to pay for it. A monthly salary in my country is roughly 10 US dollars. But the other information given is very helpful thank you, I'll go from there.
 
  • #9
huntermux said:
Hey there,
Here are some resources that I have found helpful in the past:
1. http://www.purplemath.com/
purple math is great for any algebra or geometry review
2. http://www.cengagebrain.com/content/stewart97815_0538497815_01.01_toc.pdf
this a pdf of Stewart, Calculus 7e edition (my personal favorite calculus book)
3.http://www.scribd.com/doc/98194372/Vector-Calculus-Susan-Jane-Colley#scribd
this is a pdf to a vector calculus textbook. The first chapters should give you a solid base on vector properties, etc.
4. Khan academy is also a great tool for both math and physics

I hope you get caught up quickly!

Hey thank you again. With your help I find ally determined my problem lies in factoring. At least now I know what I need to learn :D
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to I need some orientation for Physics Major

1. What can I do with a Physics major?

With a Physics major, you can pursue a variety of careers including research, teaching, engineering, medicine, and more. Physics majors also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable to many fields.

2. Is a Physics major difficult?

Physics is a challenging major that requires strong mathematical and analytical skills. However, with dedication and hard work, it is a rewarding and satisfying field of study.

3. What courses are required for a Physics major?

The specific courses required for a Physics major may vary depending on the university, but generally, you can expect to take courses in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and other specialized topics.

4. Do I need to have a strong background in math to major in Physics?

While a strong foundation in math is important for studying Physics, it is possible to improve your math skills as you progress through the major. Many universities also offer resources such as tutoring and study groups to help students succeed in their math courses.

5. What can I expect from a Physics major?

A Physics major will involve a combination of lecture-based classes, laboratory work, and independent research projects. You will also have the opportunity to work with advanced equipment and develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Similar threads

  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
995
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
630
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top