Should I go through algebra-based physics to prepare for Physics 1?

[Tradie123]

I will be studying at the University of Melbourne next year as a mature aged student. I am concerned because from what I was told, the prescribed textbook for Physics 1, "Fundamentals of Physics" doesn't start from the absolute basics. This is a problem because I have been out of school for 10 years and I never did VCE Physics.

I found a book called, "QuickSmart Introductory Physics" (http://www.pascalpress.com.au/quicksmart-introductory-physics/) which goes through algebra-based physics. Do you all think I should go through algebra-based physics using this book, master the concepts and then go through, "Fundamentals of Physics"? Is that the most efficient way to prepare for Physics 1?

Thank you!

[notveryasian]

If you have not done physics before, then I believe you enrol in PHYC10005 Physics 1:Fundamentals, which is an introductory subject which assumes no prior knowledge, apart from a bit of mathematics. The prescribed textbook for this subject is different than the textbook for the other Physics subjects. https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2015/PHYC10005

[Tradie123]

If you have not done physics before, then I believe you enrol in PHYC10005 Physics 1:Fundamentals, which is an introductory subject which assumes no prior knowledge, apart from a bit of mathematics. The prescribed textbook for this subject is different than the textbook for the other Physics subjects. https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2015/PHYC10005

I just checked and you are correct! However someone was going to give the book I mentioned to me as they found it quite good. Looking at the contents, does it cover the same topics as "College Physics: A Strategic Approach"? I'm trying to work out if I should stick with the book that is going to be given to me or if I should just buy "College Physics: A Strategic Approach."

[notveryasian]

I just checked and you are correct! However someone was going to give the book I mentioned to me as they found it quite good. Looking at the contents, does it cover the same topics as "College Physics: A Strategic Approach"? I'm trying to work out if I should stick with the book that is going to be given to me or if I should just buy "College Physics: A Strategic Approach."

I haven't done any Physics subjects at university level, but I would guess that the textbook that will be given to you would be more suitable for people with prior knowledge of physics. Perhaps you'll get a better gauge of whether the textbook is good or not for you when you see it.

[Tradie123]

I haven't done any Physics subjects at university level, but I would guess that the textbook that will be given to you would be more suitable for people with prior knowledge of physics. Perhaps you'll get a better gauge of whether the textbook is good or not for you when you see it.

Do you know any students who have done physics? Or hopefully someone who has done physics can post on this thread

I looked at, "College Physics: A Strategic Approach" and it looks good! I'll try to get it. I just want to know specifically what concepts in mathematics I need to have mastered before using that textbook.

[LOLs99]

Yep, the textbook for physics fundamental is pretty good. I only use it for last minute revision.
I did not do any VCE physics and so you should not worry too much because the textbook does start from the basic concepts. As far as I'm aware, all u need is just basic maths calculation and substituting into the correct formula. There might be a little bit of deriving stuff in kinematics section but not to worry too much.

[Tradie123]

Yep, the textbook for physics fundamental is pretty good. I only use it for last minute revision.
I did not do any VCE physics and so you should not worry too much because the textbook does start from the basic concepts. As far as I'm aware, all u need is just basic maths calculation and substituting into the correct formula. There might be a little bit of deriving stuff in kinematics section but not to worry too much.

Thank you LOLs99! I will absolutely be getting "College Physics: A Strategic Approach!" After going through that textbook, will I be able to start on "Fundamentals of Physics"?

[LOLs99]

Thank you LOLs99! I will absolutely be getting "College Physics: A Strategic Approach!" After going through that textbook, will I be able to start on "Fundamentals of Physics"?

I don't think you need another textbook apart from the prescribed textbook "college physics: A strategic Approach"

[ChickenCh0wM1en]

Thank you LOLs99! I will absolutely be getting "College Physics: A Strategic Approach!" After going through that textbook, will I be able to start on "Fundamentals of Physics"?

To be frank, I don't think you need to do any pre-study for physics fundamentals. Just have a skim through some of the more fundamental concepts they first cover like displacement, velocity, acceleration and get familiar with the formulas for kinematics and that should last you a few weeks Maybe look at the stuff on friction, forces on an incline plane etc and see if you can get your head around it - it will save you a lot of time during the semester.

The book I would say is a must - either get a hardcopy, pdf or borrow from the library. I felt the textbook was much more useful than the actual lectures itself - in saying so, I did do this in 2013 (sem 1) so things may have changed.

[Tradie123]

To be frank, I don't think you need to do any pre-study for physics fundamentals. Just have a skim through some of the more fundamental concepts they first cover like displacement, velocity, acceleration and get familiar with the formulas for kinematics and that should last you a few weeks Maybe look at the stuff on friction, forces on an incline plane etc and see if you can get your head around it - it will save you a lot of time during the semester.

The book I would say is a must - either get a hardcopy, pdf or borrow from the library. I felt the textbook was much more useful than the actual lectures itself - in saying so, I did do this in 2013 (sem 1) so things may have changed.

I'll make sure I get the textbook then! What mathematics concepts should I have mastered before going through the textbook?

[Tradie123]

Since you're eligible to do the Bachelor of Science, you must have completed some sort of maths equivalent to VCE Maths Methods (CAS) units 3/4 or something higher.

I suggest having a really, really good understanding of this course.
There will also be things like year 10 algebra (assumed knowledge in VCE Maths Methods) where you need to be able to solve for one variable with ease.

If you need any help with where to begin, feel free to send me a message.

Just a quick extra after seeing your Chemistry thread:
Note that if you're doing Physics from the very beginning (no assumed knowledge from VCE Physics) you should be doing Physics 1: Fundamentals, not Physics 1.

Again, if you have anymore feel free to keep posting!

Yes, I'll be doing Physics 1: Fundamentals