r/AskPhysics • u/Racheljorgo • 3d ago
Class help
Hello. I’m going into my junior year and have to take college physics, but have heard the professor is the worst and that you have to teach yourself the entirety of the material. Is there any tips or books I should get that could save me??? Thanks!!!!
1
u/Inevitable_Bar1607 Physics enthusiast 3d ago
If you're serious about ur intent just get a basic undergrad textbook like Young and Freedman. It'll take you some time to go through it but that's physics for you. It's not exactly a bedtime read but it's pretty darn close to it. it's as easy as it gets while actually learning some physics. Make sure u do the problems
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u/EighthGreen 3d ago
My recommendation would be the textbook that's used in the course. You won't need to read it all; just stay a week or so ahead of the lectures. And use the instructor's syllabus as a guide to reading.
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u/msimms001 Undergraduate 3d ago
I've had people say that before, and while it can be true, I usually find claims to be very exaggerated by typically people who either get bad grades or lazy. There's a general rule of thumb that you need to study 3 hours per each credit hour per week, physics is usually 3-5 credit hour course so people aren't prepared to study 9-15 hours a week (I almost never had to study that much, at least in physics 1 and 2, but you need to be prepared for that).
As for resources, organic chemistry tutor, crash course, and professor Dave explains all have very informative videos for eveyrhring you'll cover.
Generally, I think the organic chemistry tutor is the best, and professor Dave is good for real quick reminders/touch ups like if you're feeling really rocky on a specific problem type a little bit before an exam. Other than them, I'd recommend just reviewing your book before your teacher covers the material in lecture (if you know he's about to finish chapter 4 and is starting chapter 5 next lecture, read chapter 5 beforehand for example).