Failed first physics exam, advice appreciated

[AspiringDoc422]

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Just took my first physics 1 exam and I’m pretty sure I failed it pretty badly, probably in the 30s since I didn’t understand most of the problems. Got As in Bio and Chem in the past, but this is my first physics course and the professor doesn’t use a book at all so we study off of homework and lectures, the test problems were much harder than the homework and differently formulated and since I was studying off the homework I was completely lost. I don’t think I can withdraw because I already have 8 Ws accumulated largely due to a medical withdrawal from a semester last year. It’s pretty discouraging to know that even if I ace the next exams I’m still looking at a C- B best case scenario. Also I’m a non science major if that has any relevance.

 

[kfcchikin]

I don't know your specific situation very well but my guess would be you aren't really understanding the homework vs memorizing how to do those specific problems. First step would be to go to your professor and go through each incorrect problem and find out exactly why you got it wrong.

I'm also a non-science major and I was overwhelmed with physics starting out but it very quickly became my highest grade class after I learned to really understand the processes instead of memorizing examples. I don't know if you guys use programs like masteringphysics for homework, but chegg helped me a ton with understanding the steps for those "standardized" (?) homeworks since our professors gave little guidance too. Also, if your homework really is insufficient, try to find practice problems online or in any college-level textbook based on the chapter you're on; there should be plenty out there.

Physics is a math class imo and very heavily based on practice -- even if you master the processes of the simpler problems, you will build the ability to apply them to more difficult/multi-step problems like those on your exams

 

[AspiringDoc422]

I did try to memorize the pattern of the homework problems because the professor said that it would be “a lot like the exam”, I realize that I should have a more comprehensive conceptual understanding of the topic itself for the future, I already scheduled an appointment with a private physics tutor, that’s how worried I am about the class . Hopefully the tutor may prepare me for any ways that the problems can be changed on the exams. I’m just devastated because it seems that I can only strive for at best a C in the course now, how much will this hurt me?
Thanks for the advice

 

[Calizboosted76]

Khan Academy
The predmedHQ

Look them up and utilize them.

 

[kfcchikin]

I did try to memorize the pattern of the homework problems because the professor said that it would be “a lot like the exam”, I realize that I should have a more comprehensive conceptual understanding of the topic itself for the future, I already scheduled an appointment with a private physics tutor, that’s how worried I am about the class . Hopefully the tutor may prepare me for any ways that the problems can be changed on the exams. I’m just devastated because it seems that I can only strive for at best a C in the course now, how much will this hurt me?
Thanks for the advice

It is what it is -- you obviously want to avoid any more C's but it's not the end of the world. All you can do now is focus on doing as well as possible the remainder of the semester and even better in physics II (which is much easier in my opinion). A tutor is a great resource -- if she/he is a good tutor it can help you tremendously

 

[keolu hills]

For practice problems, you can use SCHAUMS OUTLINE OF COLLEGE PHYSICS.

 

[deleted804295]

I got a 40% on one of my physics exams (average was 44). Just go to professor office hours and if they pity you enough they might round you up at the end of the semester.

Joking aside, physics requires going from the little picture in concrete equations to the big picture in abstract rearranging of equations. It's a very different way of thinking compared to most pre-reqs and you will have to study for the class differently. Exam questions will never be the same as homework problems and this is very different from bio and chem. You have an infinitesimal amount of questions that can be generated from a single equation and so you have to learn how to rearrange questions.

Instead of working through homework problems and memorizing everything in hopes of doing well, start with a physics equation and rearrange it. Ie. If you have a kinematics inclined plane problem that asks you to solve for the normal force, rearrange the problem so you instead have to solve for delta.

 

[AspiringDoc422]

I got a 40% on one of my physics exams (average was 44). Just go to professor office hours and if they pity you enough they might round you up at the end of the semester.

Joking aside, physics requires going from the little picture in concrete equations to the big picture in abstract rearranging of equations. It's a very different way of thinking compared to most pre-reqs and you will have to study for the class differently. Exam questions will never be the same as homework problems and this is very different from bio and chem. You have an infinitesimal amount of questions that can be generated from a single equation and so you have to learn how to rearrange questions.

Instead of working through homework problems and memorizing everything in hopes of doing well, start with a physics equation and rearrange it. Ie. If you have a kinematics inclined plane problem that asks you to solve for the normal force, rearrange the problem so you instead have to solve for delta.

If you don’t mind me asking, did your professor curve exams or drop the lowest? Because that unfortunately is not the case for me

 

[deleted804295]

If you don’t mind me asking, did your professor curve exams or drop the lowest? Because that unfortunately is not the case for me

For one of my physics classes, yes on both. For the other just curves.

If your class is not curved still study how I recommended but don't expect the professor to do you any favors at the end of the semester. It's still nice to go to office hours and get to know them though.

 

[Calizboosted76]

Wish OP would have took my physics class. It was a complete joke. I was absent 50% of the class, made A's in both. The professor was morbidly obese and couldn't stand for more than 10 seconds or he became very dyspnic. He also graded on a curve and never, I repeat NEVER, gave any exams back or even let you see what you missed or got correct. The tests were open book and open notes. It ended up hurting a fellow classmate though that did not take physics in high school because when it came time for the MCAT that individual consistently missed every physics question there ever was.

 

[Lardy Boy]

More practice problems