What is Self-study: Definition and 208 Discussions

Autodidacticism (also autodidactism) or self-education (also self-learning and self-teaching) is education without the guidance of masters (such as teachers and professors) or institutions (such as schools). Generally, autodidacts are individuals who choose the subject they will study, their studying material, and the studying rhythm and time. Autodidacts may or may not have formal education, and their study may be either a complement or an alternative to formal education. Many notable contributions have been made by autodidacts.

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  1. micromass

    Insights How to Self-study Algebra: Linear Algebra - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to Self-study Algebra: Linear Algebra Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  2. micromass

    Other Micromass' Insights on how to self-study mathematics

    How to self-study mathematics https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/how-to-study-mathematics/ How to self-study basic high school mathematics https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/self-study-basic-high-school-mathematics/ How to self-study calculus...
  3. ibkev

    General relativity math self-study - what next?

    My goal is to develop an intuitive understanding of the math underlying general relativity and ultimately be able to take a book like Wald or Carroll and, as someone on these forums commented once, “be able to casually read it while sipping my morning coffee and listening to the news.” :) So...
  4. L

    Any good all-around physics books?

    When searching for a nice introductory physics textbook for self-study, I have found a few books that others have claimed to cover the majority of physics - from classical mechanics to quantum mechanics - albeit in a manner only intended to base a more intensive study of the individual topics...
  5. bubblescript

    Intro Math Math Self-Study: Build a Strong Foundation for AI PhD

    Hi, I'm embarking on a mission to self-study math, and would like some recommendations on any missing books or ones that should be replaced in my repertoire. The goal is to build a strong mathematical foundation. My naive idea of what that means is something like an undergraduate math major, so...
  6. entropy1

    Self-Study Quantum Mechanics: Can I Do It w/ Poor Math Skills?

    Whole my life I have been interested in Quantum Physics. I have a bachelor degree in IT. I did not finish my studies. I have always been quite sloppy in studying in school. As a result, my mathematics skills are terrible. I often get pointed out on this forum that I better start with the...
  7. micromass

    Schools How to Self-Study Basic High School Mathematics - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to Self-Study Basic High School Mathematics Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  8. micromass

    Insights How to Self-Study Calculus - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post How to Self-Study Calculus Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  9. J

    Self-study AP Physics C after taking IB Physics SL & Calc?

    I am a current High School senior intending on majoring in Physics in college. Last year I took IB Physics SL and got a 4 on the test but kept my head above water on all the unit tests. I'm currently taking AP Calculus BC and am doing very well. I have exhausted all other science classes in my...
  10. R

    I need advice on material to self-study physics (oscillations and waves)

    I am currently in my second year of a bachelor of science with a major in physics. The class I am taking is notorious for being hard and the professor is very hard to understand (understanding the material, not what she's saying). The class is all about oscillations and waves. The textbook is...
  11. P

    Calculus Best book for theoretical multivariable calculus self-study

    Hi, I'm looking for a good book to study multivariable calculus from that would fit a proof-based undergraduate math course. The emphasis should be on RIGOROUS proofs, theorems and presentation of concepts. I really need a book that would be approachable for self-study with clear and...
  12. B

    Discrete Algorithm Books for C++ and Python Programmers

    Could you recommend me a book or two treating the algorithms and their mathematical foundation, designs, and analysis? My main programming languages are C++ and Python.
  13. D

    Exploring the Multiverse to Physics & Math for Self-Study

    I have a rudimentary background in physics and would like to do self-study for my own intellectual curiosity. If I wanted to try to get a grasp of something like M-Theory or inflationary cosmology, what physics subjects would I need to study first? Also what kinds of mathematics would I need...
  14. yeshuamo

    Can I self-study quantum for pGRE?

    I am pushing myself through an accelerated course of undergraduate physics (a number of reasons) and, if all goes well, it looks like I can complete the degree in two years. I have a 4.0 in physics up to this point, so I've seen no indication of my lack of work ethic/aptitude. After that, I...
  15. A

    Other Taking Notes for Self-Study "advice"

    Hello, from my experience, taking notes while self-studying is the most frustrating thing I ever faced. I am one of those people who doesn't want to miss any small detail! I started this summer self-studying "mathematical methods in the physical sciences - By Mary Boas" because I found it...
  16. B

    Could you help me about my mathematics note-taking skill?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am a rising college junior in US with a major in mathematics. I recently noticed a problem in my note-taking skill in the mathematics, both from the textbooks and lectures. When I was a microbiology major, I wrote extensive amount of notes from my books and...
  17. V

    Problem in Self-Studying Calculus

    Hello fellow science enthusiasts! I will start by describing my problem. I am majoring in Computer Science. More importantly, I am taking a course in Single Variable Calculus I. We are using the textbook written by Stewart: Calculus Early Transcendentals. And as I continue read through it...
  18. I

    Preparing for University: Maths and Python in 5 Months

    I am applying to University in January 2016 for either maths or computer science. I have taken the Gr. 12 prerequisite courses and did alright in them (calculus 89, physics 96, etc), but I feel I still do not have a solid foundation in maths to really feel comfortable going into a degree...
  19. K

    Chemistry Suggestions for Chemistry 1 Self-Study Books?

    I will be taking Chemistry 1 in the fall for undergrad science majors and am looking for a good study book to brush up on the basics. I took chemistry in high school two years ago and don't want to be re-learning basics that I was expected to know beforehand (sig figs, conversions, etc). Any...
  20. T

    Complementary self-studies during my undergrad

    I've just made it through my freshman physics year (covering introductory Linear algebra, Mechanics, Single- and multivariable calculus, Thermodynamics, Wave Theory, and Scientific computing). Due to some health issues, I am essentially unable to attend lectures, but I am, to be frank, a gifted...
  21. A

    How should I proceed in my study of physics / mathematics?

    I recently graduated from High School (or Sweden's equivalent). I am entering quite a difficult university program studying physics / math in a couple of months. I am interested in self-studying this summer simply because I find the subjects fascinating, especially the mathematical side of it...
  22. Xsnac

    Classical Book on Electromagnetism for Undergraduates | Study Tips

    Hi guys. I have just finished my first year as an undergrad and I still think I don't know enough E&M ( took half year course and I barely passed the final exam). Can you please recomand a good textbook to study over the summer?
  23. C

    Calculus Best Calculus book for self-study - Choosing between 3

    So I'm trying to choose between 3 calculus books for self-study and would love some suggestions or comments on the books i posted: I really like when a book is clear and has relavant expamples (also for exercises) without skipping too many steps, however I do also like history or understanding...
  24. A

    Other Comprehensive math books for summer self-study

    Hello, I'm planning to spend my summer studying some physics and maths books. Physics books aren't my problem, math books are. I took " calculus 1/2 & differential equations " till now and a material of mathematical methods (vector analysis/general coordinates/complex/gamma-beta functions/...
  25. Cygnus_A

    Intro Math Comprehensive math-physics books for self-study

    I'm looking for a comprehensive mathematical physics book for self-study. My ideal book would have some of these qualities: - lots of applications, examples, problems and solutions (or available solutions) - not focused on rigor - interesting to read (maybe with some history too?) - ideally it...
  26. laramman2

    Applied What Are the Best Textbooks for Self-Studying Nonlinear Dynamics?

    What textbooks would you recommend for self studying Nonlinear Dynamics? I am a undergraduate junior who will be doing research on nonlinearity of spiking neurons. I have taken courses on ODE, vector calculus, probability, statistics, and linear algebra.
  27. C

    Other Recommended Math self-study book

    Hi, I'm currently waiting for admission into an engineering course at a local university,however,it has been a long time since I did any real math and most of the math was taught to us in a "plug & play" manner. I want to ensure that my mathematics fundamentals are strong enough so that it...
  28. L

    Other Maths textbooks for self-study

    I am a 1st-year physics student and over the summer am planning on self-studying some extra maths courses. I was considering geometry, statistics, and algebra as these seem to not require too many prerequisites and are useful in physics. Could anyone recommend some good textbooks/online...
  29. M

    Self-Study Graduate Quantum Theory with Sakurai: Lecture Notes and Resources

    Hello science buddies, This is my first post in this forum. Ok let me get to the point directly, currently I self-study graduate level quantum theory and the main book I'm using is Sakurai's. But I think for self studying it's better to also have a look at lecture notes, first because it's much...
  30. micromass

    Studying Share self-studying mathematics tips

    Are you self-studying mathematics? Do you have any questions on how to handle it? Anything you want to share? Do so here!
  31. W

    Intro Physics Self-study physics - not-quite-beginner

    I've spent the last 4 years doing a chemistry degree, and before that I did maths, chemistry and biology at 6th form. (that's junior & senior year at high school if you're from across the Atlantic). So I've learned about a decent amount of science but with a distinct lack of physics, which I'm...
  32. D

    Looking for a insightful roadmap to learn math

    Hi, I have drop out school at high school. All the subjects taught in school were senseless to me, so I've decided to leave it. After that, I've decided to learn things by myself. Nowadays I'm working as software programmer developing computer vision programs, without any college degree. I...
  33. S

    Graduate Level Physics Courses: More Than Just Solving Equations?

    Hi all! My name is Mike. I would like to new the recommended course of study for someone who wanted to know all there is to particle physics through self study. I've done the derivatives and beginning integration in calculus and have just begun the first year physics text. Could someone please...
  34. T

    Self-Study Math: Pre Algebra to Integral Calc

    I'm fascinated with math and regret I never really pursued it. I want to self study to bring myself up to the point of being able to understand differential and integral calculus. I was good at algebra but I want to review and study a step by step syllabus. So what are the areas of math...
  35. Moriarty

    Which book is best for self-studying special relativity?

    So I'm taking AP-C: E&M for my last high school semester and wanted to take some time to read up with a rigorous special relativity book. I've already taken the equivalent of Calculus 1-3 at a university level and I've read Kleppner and Kolenkow's Mechanics book up to the chapters on Special...
  36. icecubebeast

    How to self-study mathematics and understand it well?

    I am taking AP Calculus BC and I want to self study math so that I can be good at it. The field of mathematics I want to study is applied mathematics. What methods are good for studying math by myself and becoming good at it? Which topics should I study sequentially after learning AP Calculus...
  37. J

    Can Self-Learning Lead to a Career in Physics and Math?

    Hello. I'm John, and I'm 25. Until recently, I was a part-time college student, and now I'm not. The degree I was going for, Computer Technology with a programming emphasis, was something I seemed to be proficient at, but it was also something that I have pretty much zero passion about. I...
  38. A

    Modern Physics Text for self-study

    As the title implies, I am looking for a decent introductory modern physics text for self-study purposes. I'm a Biochemistry major, so this is partially for my own enjoyment and partially for preparation for Physical Chemistry II. I know that there are a lot of threads on this, but I always like...
  39. B

    Seeking Advice on my Plan for Calculus Self-Study Textbooks

    Dear PF friends, I am a sophomore with double majors in microbiology and mathematics (just declared on last week) doing research on the computational/quantitative biology research in the field of virology. In future, I want to go to a graduate school in either virology or computational biology...
  40. B

    Physics and Math Double Major with self-study

    I currently have completed a two-semester course in physics where University Physics by Ronald Reece was used. This two-semester course was your basic introduction: the first semester comprised of Newton's laws and their extension to energy, momentum etc., and the final semester was a light...
  41. muraii

    Open-Source Curricula for Self-Study & Collaboration

    A few months ago I asked for recommendations for textbooks on generalized linear models. (Nevermind that I seem not to have actually asked anything.) I'm still in the same boat but am considering a different approach. I mention in that I felt approaching practical (mostly work) and theoretical...
  42. Curieuse

    The right amount of Resources for a self-study attempt

    I am self-studying Physics in the second year of my undergrad(too late i know) as I never really understood many basic concepts in my high school as clearly as i now do. In my enthusiasm to teach myself Physics I bought a number of books but none seem on par with stuff described on many forums...
  43. T

    Starting my Self-Study of Rigorous Mathematics

    Hello everyone! I'm new here. I'm starting a self-study of more rigorous mathematics. My background is I have a B.S. in Mathematics(class of '14) and have had rigorous classes but they were, in my opinion, sub-par and not taught as rigorously as they should have been. Truth be told, I...
  44. A

    Understanding R₃ in Linear Algebra: A Self-Study Guide

    I am trying to self study linear algebra. This might seem like a very silly question but what does R subscript 3 mean in the context of linear algebra. I am NOT talking about R ^ 3 which is 3 dimensional vector space
  45. C

    Self-study Alegbra, PHysics and trigonometry books?

    Hi awesome people at physicsforum, I’m planning on doing some self-study in physics and math and I’d really appreciate some advice based on my skill -level and what I want to achieve, which I’ll describe for you. I’ve considered some books to buy further down, and would deeply appreciate...
  46. Seydlitz

    Criteria for instructive problems in self-study

    Hello guys, I hope you all have happy holiday! This question crops up to my mind often when I read through threads in PF. One of the most common points for books recommendation is because of good and instructive problems in them. For specific example, WannabeNewton in this thread is very...
  47. M

    Which math subjects are good for self-study and how should I go about it?

    Hi, I'm a Junior in high school. I just finished Calculus 3 (and got an A) last semester and I'm taking Differential Equations next semester. Also (if I get into this free math program), I will be taking Linear Algebra and Number Theory with Cryptology this summer. Anyways my question is what...
  48. D

    Please give me some advice about math self-study

    Hello, This is my first post, so my backgrounds is basically that I've studied biochemistry and neuroscience in university, and I want to continue working in science in some capacity, although that's not my profession at the moment. I've come to the realization that the all of the cutting-edge...
  49. A

    When is the best time for self-study in school?

    So as you probably are aware, some students in this forum are very much ahead of their classmates in learning Math/Physics because they self-study outside of class. My question is: when do you self-study? During the summer or during the school year? If you do it in the summer, do you have...
  50. boneh3ad

    Recommended texts for self-study [real & functional analysis]

    Hello, I have been increasingly running into topics in my field where at least a basic faculty with real and functional analysis would be quite helpful and I would like to go about self-studying a bit in that area. I know that Rudin is the canonical text in the field, but I have also heard...
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