FAST FACTS
How to Succeed
in Physics
Physics is an infamously Physics is a challenging subject ─ it’s a combination of math and science
that can be difficult even for the best of us. But despite its challenging nature,
difficult course. I consis- with a few basic tips and a little practice there’s no reason you can’t succeed.
tently needed help with This handout outlines a variety of strategies that can help you improve your
the material. It is not performance in physics classes.
impossible though. ─ Brian, Physics isn’t only math; it requires conceptual
Electrical and computer understanding too!
engineering One of the most important things to understand before embarking on a
physics class is that physics requires practical knowledge of math as well as
a broader conceptual understanding of physics principles. While formulas
and equations are often helpful, without a conceptual understanding they can
Physics is incredibly only get you so far. Typically, physics courses can be split into a handful of
broad fundamental principles, under which smaller principles and equations
intimidating and difficult. can be organized. Make sure to take some time to think about which broad
I used office hours and principles organize your course.
tutoring and built a strong
When faced with a problem to solve, think about how this specific problem
bridge and was successful relates to the overall structure of the course and the concepts being tested.
in the class. ─ Mridula, It can be tempting to immediately grab your calculator and start computing.
However, once you understand the conceptual material and principles
Chemistry major behind the problem, try to solve the problem algebraically. Only after solving
algebraically should you plug in numerical values. Success depends on
thoroughly understanding these key concepts.
Weekly study groups were Physics builds on itself: Make sure you know the
most effective of all the basics and don’t get behind!
support offered because it Like many technical subjects, physics builds on itself, and it can be hard to
forced me to form a study understand upper level physics if you don’t understand the basics. When
you’re beginning a new course (or a new unit within a course) make sure to
routine and it allowed me put in the effort to understand the simple concepts. If you don’t put in the time
to work closely with other when the material is easy, you’ll be behind when it gets more difficult.
students in small groups. ─ Getting behind in progressive courses can make your life twice as difficult
Rohan, Math major as putting in the effort initially, so make sure you’re doing a little bit of review
each day so you don’t get behind.
How to Succeed
in Physics
Physics is an infamously Physics is a challenging subject ─ it’s a combination of math and science
that can be difficult even for the best of us. But despite its challenging nature,
difficult course. I consis- with a few basic tips and a little practice there’s no reason you can’t succeed.
tently needed help with This handout outlines a variety of strategies that can help you improve your
the material. It is not performance in physics classes.
impossible though. ─ Brian, Physics isn’t only math; it requires conceptual
Electrical and computer understanding too!
engineering One of the most important things to understand before embarking on a
physics class is that physics requires practical knowledge of math as well as
a broader conceptual understanding of physics principles. While formulas
and equations are often helpful, without a conceptual understanding they can
Physics is incredibly only get you so far. Typically, physics courses can be split into a handful of
broad fundamental principles, under which smaller principles and equations
intimidating and difficult. can be organized. Make sure to take some time to think about which broad
I used office hours and principles organize your course.
tutoring and built a strong
When faced with a problem to solve, think about how this specific problem
bridge and was successful relates to the overall structure of the course and the concepts being tested.
in the class. ─ Mridula, It can be tempting to immediately grab your calculator and start computing.
However, once you understand the conceptual material and principles
Chemistry major behind the problem, try to solve the problem algebraically. Only after solving
algebraically should you plug in numerical values. Success depends on
thoroughly understanding these key concepts.
Weekly study groups were Physics builds on itself: Make sure you know the
most effective of all the basics and don’t get behind!
support offered because it Like many technical subjects, physics builds on itself, and it can be hard to
forced me to form a study understand upper level physics if you don’t understand the basics. When
you’re beginning a new course (or a new unit within a course) make sure to
routine and it allowed me put in the effort to understand the simple concepts. If you don’t put in the time
to work closely with other when the material is easy, you’ll be behind when it gets more difficult.
students in small groups. ─ Getting behind in progressive courses can make your life twice as difficult
Rohan, Math major as putting in the effort initially, so make sure you’re doing a little bit of review
each day so you don’t get behind.
