Question about pre-university studies

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In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of using resources like PF to improve knowledge and achieve better results in the future. The speaker, a 17-year-old university student, seeks advice on what to focus on during their 3-4 months of free time. They mention studying high school math and ask for recommendations for introductory physics books without the use of calculus. The conversation also touches upon the benefits of self-learning calculus and the importance of reviewing high school material.
  • #1
strider
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Hello all, PF really is a great resource of physics, I'm glad to be part of the forum now. :approve:

I'm 17 years old and now I'm waiting the start of classes at my university (obviously I chose physics :-p), so now that I have free time for around 3-4 months I want to improve my knowledge to achieve better results in the future.
What should I focus on? I'm thinking about studying high school math because I haven't a good base yet but firstly I would like to see opinions from more experienced students.
What are the best "introduction to physics" books without use of calculus?

Thank you and sorry for my English mistakes, I'm not good with this language.
 
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  • #2
strider said:
What are the best "introduction to physics" books without use of calculus?

Why do you want books without calculus?
If you don't know calculus,I think you should self-learn it,like me. Calculus is not so difficult. :wink:
 
  • #3
adjacent said:
Why do you want books without calculus?
If you don't know calculus,I think you should self-learn it,like me. Calculus is not so difficult. :wink:

Because I would like to start reading now but I'm not sure if I can learn calculus in so little time.
 
  • #4
If that's the case, you probably can't learn physics w/o calculus in the same time. Colleges consider these courses about the same amount of work.

I like the plan of reviewing what you learned in high school better.
 
  • #5


Hello and welcome to the forum! It's great to hear that you're interested in improving your knowledge and preparing for your university studies in physics. I can assure you that having a strong foundation in math is crucial for success in physics. So, focusing on high school math is definitely a good idea. You can also consider reviewing basic concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry, as they are essential in physics as well. Additionally, you can explore online resources or textbooks for pre-university physics courses to familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles and concepts. As for books without the use of calculus, I would recommend "Conceptual Physics" by Paul G. Hewitt and "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Giancoli. Both of these books provide a good introduction to physics without the use of calculus. However, once you have a strong foundation in math, I would highly recommend learning calculus as it is an integral part of physics. I wish you all the best in your studies!
 

FAQ: Question about pre-university studies

What are pre-university studies?

Pre-university studies refer to academic programs or courses taken by students after completing secondary education and before entering a university. These studies are designed to prepare students for higher education and often cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, literature, and foreign languages.

What are the benefits of pre-university studies?

Pre-university studies can provide students with a strong academic foundation and essential skills for success in university, such as critical thinking, research, and time management. They also allow students to explore different subject areas and discover their interests before committing to a specific degree program.

What is the difference between pre-university studies and university courses?

The main difference between pre-university studies and university courses is the level of difficulty and depth of knowledge. Pre-university studies are often more general and introductory, while university courses are more specialized and in-depth. Additionally, pre-university studies are usually completed in a shorter time frame than university courses.

What are the common types of pre-university studies?

Some common types of pre-university studies include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, A-levels, and foundation programs. These programs may differ in structure and curriculum depending on the country or educational system.

Do pre-university studies guarantee admission to a university?

No, pre-university studies do not guarantee admission to a university. However, they can improve a student's chances of getting accepted by demonstrating their academic abilities and commitment to their education. Other factors, such as grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, also play a significant role in university admissions.

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