Questions about studying physics units at the University of Melbourne

[Sloafs]

1. I've worked through an algebra-based physics book called, "QuickSmart Introductory Physics" which goes through vectors, motion, forces, work, energy, momentum, circular motion, rotation of a rigid body, rolling motion and angular momentum, equilibrium and elasticity, fluid mechanics, simple harmonic motion, waves, light and optics, electrostatics and Gauss' law, electric currents and DC circuits, magnetic fields, sources of magnetic field and Faraday's law, inductance and AC circuits and modern and nuclear physics. I don't know about VCE physics but I'm from NSW (our whole family moved to Melbourne at the end of 2014) and HSC physics is completely irrelevant, they should really name it to "History of physics." That's why I worked through that book with my teacher every week because I wanted to do real physics! Based on this information, should I start with "Physics 1" or "Physics 1: Advanced"?
2. For "Physics 1/Physics 1: Advanced" and "Physics 2/Physics 2:Advanced", are the prescribed textbooks necessary or are the lecture notes perfect, how detailed are the lecture notes, do the lecture notes contain many questions and how good are the lecture notes?

[JimSlice]

Hey Sloafs

Physics 1&2: Advanced cover pretty much the stuff you've covered, however they're calculus based. So if you are comfortable with calculus concepts you are looking pretty good to do the advanced stream. I'm not exactly sure what the format is for the regular stream.
As for textbooks, it's probably not worth the cost. You should be fine with just the lecture slides. Although you could probably find a much cheaper textbook than what they sell at the bookstore which will cover the same material if you really want to get a solid understanding.

[Sloafs]

Hey Sloafs

Physics 1&2: Advanced cover pretty much the stuff you've covered, however they're calculus based. So if you are comfortable with calculus concepts you are looking pretty good to do the advanced stream. I'm not exactly sure what the format is for the regular stream.
As for textbooks, it's probably not worth the cost. You should be fine with just the lecture slides. Although you could probably find a much cheaper textbook than what they sell at the bookstore which will cover the same material if you really want to get a solid understanding.

Is it beneficial if I buy the textbooks and use them to get a solid understanding? Are the lecture notes enough for anyone who wants a solid understanding of the content?

[JimSlice]

I wouldn't say the lecture notes are enough for a deep understanding, but you can certainly get by with them. If you're happy to fork over the money i'd say the textbook is useful, but as I said you could probably find an alternative textbook which wouldnt cost ~$150. You can download Pearson textbooks from the library catalogue for free if you are enrolled, i'm sure you could find a suitable textbook from there.

[mahler004]

I wouldn't say the lecture notes are enough for a deep understanding, but you can certainly get by with them. If you're happy to fork over the money i'd say the textbook is useful, but as I said you could probably find an alternative textbook which wouldnt cost ~$150. You can download Pearson textbooks from the library catalogue for free if you are enrolled, i'm sure you could find a suitable textbook from there.

Chemistry textbooks tend to go through versions pretty quickly. Especially for first year stuff, you can get away with a pretty old book.

edit: thought this was the chemistry thread.

[Sloafs]

I wouldn't say the lecture notes are enough for a deep understanding, but you can certainly get by with them. If you're happy to fork over the money i'd say the textbook is useful, but as I said you could probably find an alternative textbook which wouldnt cost ~$150. You can download Pearson textbooks from the library catalogue for free if you are enrolled, i'm sure you could find a suitable textbook from there.

Thank you!

Chemistry textbooks tend to go through versions pretty quickly. Especially for first year stuff, you can get away with a pretty old book.

edit: thought this was the chemistry thread.

Don't worry, it's still helpful. Thank you!