Tips for Studying Physics

Notebooks

Consider using a three-ring binder when taking notes and organize the class notes via subject. The advantage to using a binder is that it allows you to move material in and out of your notebooks easily and to organize your thoughts it a way that is advantageous to you as opposed to the order it was presented. Take the time to review your notes between class. Make references to points you don’t fully understand and address these with your peers or the instructor.

Homework

Homework is designed to give you a workout with new ideas and technical tools for calculations. But homework is also here to help you prepare for exams. Often when we finish a homework assignment we are so delighted that we have the answer in the back of the book, or some partial credit that we miss an important part of completing the assignment: Review.

After receiving back a marked homework it is important to study your solutions to understand the mistakes you’ve made and where the gaps in your understanding are at. Compare your solutions to the instructors. At what point did you make your mistake? Is there a better way to solve these problems? Going back through old assignments is the best way to make sure that you learn the material completely before you are given an exam.

Other Resources

There are multiple resources available to you to succeed in physics. Many departments offer limited tutoring services with graduate students who can help you with conceptual difficulties. Taking advantage of your instructor and/or T.A.’s office hours can also provide more specific assistance if you are have difficulty with particular subjects. If you cannot regularly attend scheduled office hours, send an email — most instructors and T.A.’s want to help you succeed, and will work with you to find a time that you can meet.

Finally, take advantage of public study spaces to study in groups with your peers.Your peers may be able to answer questions and provide explanations that help you grasp a difficult concept. Conversely, trying to explain your own understanding can be a powerful tool to gauge your own knowledge of the material. Explaining concepts to others can also push you to consider it from multiple viewpoints, allowing everyone involved to gain a better understanding.

Research

For physics majors, getting involved in research is an important step on your academic journey. All of the faculty members in your Physics Department will be actively involved in research, and are frequently in need of more help to conduct the many projects they want to pursue. Take advantage of this and ask faculty members if you can get involved with their research group.

Sometimes one can receive a stipend through various University and Departmental awards, but you are encouraged to pursue research regardless of if you receive a stipend or not. Having research experience can be a major advantage in applications to graduate school where research becomes a much greater focus.

Seminars & Colloquia

All students are invited to the colloquia that are offered in the department. Student presence is a source of pride for the department as it makes a strong statement to visitors about the level of participation across all levels. It is never necessary to “understand” a colloquium or talk in its fullest as there is always something to get out of listening to someone trying to be a public speaker. Sometimes the speakers are job candidates and your exposure to what it takes to be a convincing speaker could go a long way in your career. Also feel free to join a research seminar to see the research as it is being developed.