[jph12]

Hello, TSR.

Having now done my A-levels, and hopefully achieved grades deemed suitable by my chosen universities (Lancaster and Leeds), summer has arrived and I am, for the time being, enjoying the bright sun and hot days pouring rain and mild temperature, yet using the evidence provided from the past fourteen summers, it will not be long before the lie-ins, partying and gaming will get monotonous and dull, and the start of the next academic year will not be here quick enough.

So, this summer, myself and I suspect numerous others, decided to revive our the nerdy part of our selves and wonder, just because college/school has ceased, do we really need to stop learning? Perhaps I don't want to start giving myself homework and exams to do, however, I think it would be a good idea to keep my mind fresh and active for the summer, so come October/September, I haven't forgotten everything!

Basically, my request to those reading, preferably current/post-university students, is for information/advice on what I can do to best prepare myself for Physics at university. I am sure that most of what I've learnt at A-level are "lies", but as hindsight is a beautiful thing, and it is something I am currently lacking, I was wondering whether you could share your insight as to what to do. In essence: if you were going to go through it again (starting your university course over), what would you do differently? Would you read a certain book? I'm not really sure what it is you can offer, but then no one probably does unless they have been in that situation.

If it makes a difference my courses are either Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology, or Physics and Astrophysics.

Thanks!

Note: I didn't know what label to put on it, but I thought I'd put undergraduate. Hope that doesn't confuse people.

[AndroidLight]

I don't do physics, but as I do have an interest in physics at a post A level stage, I'd give you my thoughts on what I'd do, but bare in mind these are just suggestions of things you could do rather than should. And these aren't comprehensive at all, just two things that popped into mind, with the first being one I'm planning to do myself and the latter just a thought.

1) As physics is quite conceptually based, as opposed to say Computer science which I'm geared towards as it's a bit more practical, I'd say take a leaf out of Einstein's book and set up a group to really develop your knowledge on various concepts. As I recall, Einstein in his undergraduate years was apart of group whom met weekly (or possibly more sporadically, but they met regularly enough), and pre-read a chosen book and then discussed it during their group meetings. I find that idea to be a really good one as the focus of the books can be explored in more depth if need be. And considering there are some really good books out there, discussing or pointing out the really interesting bits etc could turn out into a really productive thing to do.

2) Possibly find a specific area of the course you really identify with and explore that in your spare time. Perhaps an ongoing research area, and just follow and talk/network with people in that area. With astrophysics I'm sure you could find some areas. The reason I suggest this, is because I've found a few friends being disillusion with their courses, with a few of them being in physics, and I'd suggest this to really keep up your interest levels.

I wouldn't really recommend spending too much time reading over notes or anything, as you'd cover them when needed anyway. Most of my suggestions are simply to enhance your out of uni/lecture experience and just generally make physics a lot more enjoyable.

[tory88]

I study physics at Warwick and have just finished my first year. For the purposes of interest and leisure, reading about the subjects you will study works, but will not aid you in your studies. That's because anything that is as academically rigorous as your first year will go over your head in all likelihood. Instead, my best advice is to sharpen up your maths skills. Do soloman papers, and perhaps work through the maths section of the oxford physics test (only needs normal maths A level knowledge). Try to self-teach some further maths, especially imaginary numbers (you have no idea how useful these are yet). So far my time on the course has been mae considerably easier by my maths ability, not by my knowledge of physics, so that's probably the best thing you can focus on.

[heyimbored]

I'd also recommend just practising some Maths problems - Solomon papers etc...should be fine, if you can teach yourself some further Maths (fro further Maths A level if you didn't do it) then that would help a bit. Make sure your calculus is strong as there's a lot of that.

Take plenty of time out though, it's important that you go into uni fresh.

Also, what you've learnt at A level isn't necessarily all lies, but simplified, with certain things ignored and assumptions made, as well as some uni lecturers doing things differently to his you would have done them.