Advice on how to make my day more efficient and trouble with physics

[Chadori]

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Hello,

My current course load is as follows:

- ochem 2
- ochem lab
- calc based physics
- physics lab
- MIS (business course)

What I have found out from taking these set courses is that I would like to go back and retake calculus so that I may pursue an actual B.S degree instead of a BSA (science and arts) degree that my school offers.

Aside that, I feel that I can be more efficient with my days. I am not really worried about ochem, but the work that I put in for the labs feel like a drag. This is a concern for me because this whole semester, I have not been able to put as much time in as I would like for ochem. It hasn't been a problem because I studied the first unit over winter break, but still it is something that I really enjoy studying.

As far as the physics class, I'm at a loss for words. I go to office hours, and I study the material frequently, yet I've made a 57 and a 50 on both tests so far. Even though it is calc based, we don't actually use any calculus during the test. The only reason why I'm still even in the class is because there is a curve at the end. Should I try aiming for just a B? The averages for both tests have been a 59 each.

All in all, what advice could I get in regards on how to approach each day more efficiently? Am I to be doing something every little chance I get? When should I incorporate "me time" to support mental health?

 

[lifetothefullest]

When you're reading your physics book/lectures, go through the derivations by hand and make sure you understand them and what assumptions you make. Then you'll understand when and where to use them.

 

[Chadori]

thanks!

 

[rozalind]

As far as the physics class, I'm at a loss for words. I go to office hours, and I study the material frequently, yet I've made a 57 and a 50 on both tests so far. Even though it is calc based, we don't actually use any calculus during the test. The only reason why I'm still even in the class is because there is a curve at the end. Should I try aiming for just a B? The averages for both tests have been a 59 each.

Hi Chadori! How exactly are you going about studying for physics? Do you draw the problem out? I've found that making a quick sketch of the problem does wonders in helping you to visualize the situation and determine exactly what the problem is asking.

If you are able to access your old tests, I recommend going back over them and determining why you got an answer wrong, instead of just reviewing what you got wrong. As an example: let's say you got an answer wrong because you accidentally put a decimal point in the wrong place back in the beginning of the problem, resulting in your entire calculation being off. The "what" would be: "Oh, I accidentally moved the decimal point to the wrong place - what a stupid mistake." The "why" would be: "I made this mistake because I was nervous and rushing through the test, and didn't bother to check my work at the end. I need to learn to pace myself." Targeting why you get problems wrong can make a world of difference.

If there are any formulas and/or constants on the test, then I recommended writing all of them down on a piece of scrap paper as soon as the exam begins, before looking at any of the problems. That way, when you encounter a particularly tricky problem, you're able to just reference your formula list instead of scrambling through your brain, trying to come up with the formula for that specific equation. This also prevents you from second-guessing yourself in the middle of a test.

Finally, I recommend modifying your approach to the subject, if necessary. Don't think, "Oh, this is just another stressful class I have to take to graduate, and if I don't do well, I'll never get into med school." Try to approach physics with the view that physics is freakin' AWESOME. Applications of physics have allowed us to: fly across continents and oceans in a matter of hours, send probes to Pluto, connect to the entire world via the Internet, view objects that are over 13 BILLION light years away, and determine the nature of sub-atomic particles that are the building blocks of the universe. And the cool part is that we know less than we don't know - there is still so much more to be discovered. So even if your classes are currently about figuring out how much force it'll take to move this dumb box up a ramp, think of it as a stepping stone to understanding the laws governing the entire universe. Hope this helps!

And as for studying efficiency, my best test grades came from when I would get together in my apartment with a small group of motivated people. We would study hard for 90 minutes or so, and then take a 15-20 minute break to run outside, or play Smash Bros., or get a snack, then get back to work. You need downtime, and other people. Sitting alone in a dark room for 7+ hours with no mental breaks or physical activity is a recipe for burnout and disaster. Best of luck!

 

[Chadori]

Hi Chadori! How exactly are you going about studying for physics? Do you draw the problem out? I've found that making a quick sketch of the problem does wonders in helping you to visualize the situation and determine exactly what the problem is asking.

If you are able to access your old tests, I recommend going back over them and determining why you got an answer wrong, instead of just reviewing what you got wrong. As an example: let's say you got an answer wrong because you accidentally put a decimal point in the wrong place back in the beginning of the problem, resulting in your entire calculation being off. The "what" would be: "Oh, I accidentally moved the decimal point to the wrong place - what a stupid mistake." The "why" would be: "I made this mistake because I was nervous and rushing through the test, and didn't bother to check my work at the end. I need to learn to pace myself." Targeting why you get problems wrong can make a world of difference.

If there are any formulas and/or constants on the test, then I recommended writing all of them down on a piece of scrap paper as soon as the exam begins, before looking at any of the problems. That way, when you encounter a particularly tricky problem, you're able to just reference your formula list instead of scrambling through your brain, trying to come up with the formula for that specific equation. This also prevents you from second-guessing yourself in the middle of a test.

Finally, I recommend modifying your approach to the subject, if necessary. Don't think, "Oh, this is just another stressful class I have to take to graduate, and if I don't do well, I'll never get into med school." Try to approach physics with the view that physics is freakin' AWESOME. Applications of physics have allowed us to: fly across continents and oceans in a matter of hours, send probes to Pluto, connect to the entire world via the Internet, view objects that are over 13 BILLION light years away, and determine the nature of sub-atomic particles that are the building blocks of the universe. And the cool part is that we know less than we don't know - there is still so much more to be discovered. So even if your classes are currently about figuring out how much force it'll take to move this dumb box up a ramp, think of it as a stepping stone to understanding the laws governing the entire universe. Hope this helps!

And as for studying efficiency, my best test grades came from when I would get together in my apartment with a small group of motivated people. We would study hard for 90 minutes or so, and then take a 15-20 minute break to run outside, or play Smash Bros., or get a snack, then get back to work. You need downtime, and other people. Sitting alone in a dark room for 7+ hours with no mental breaks or physical activity is a recipe for burnout and disaster. Best of luck!

Rozalind, first off, thank you for this post and I apologize for the late response. I did not think anyone would reply after my last comment.

The way I study for this class has flaws. What I've been doing is writing down all the equations I will use for each homework (we have three homeworks prior to each tests). Upon my second redo per homework, I will begin jotting down the concepts behind each problem and that allows me to see if I can give some sort of explanation to why the answer is the way it is. Next, and I have just began doing this, is that I get together with a buddy of mine and we go through the power points discussion the concepts and how to achieve the derivations.

As far as the mentality that I have when approaching the class, I did start out excited to learn physics. I wanted to be able to use some of the things I learn and try and apply it to NMR and physical organic chemistry. After a couple of lectures and after the first test, I quickly lost that excited attitude. I don't believe the teacher is that great and I know that I can't just complain about it, which is why i seldom do. He goes extremely fast and rushes the material and calculations during lecture. I go to office hours and TA office hours all the time, yet they only really help in getting your homework done. Although the class is calculus based, we don't use any calculus at all during the test nor the lectures. The teacher's accent and stuttering does not help the thinking process during class so it becomes a mess.

Honestly, I don't usually get discouraged, but this class has been a kick in the nuts. I'm going to keep trying and striving to do better, but from a realistic point of view, it doesn't look too good. I do have to say that this class has made me want to go back and retake calculus and pursue an actual science degree.