why are university textbooks so difficult to understand?

haroon_2003

4

I did in A-Level physics, chemistry, and math, finding the textbooks clear and understandable. Now, going into my third of university, I struggle to grasp detailed concepts in textbooks like "Fundamentals to Wireless Communications," as they lack clear explanations. throughout my course so far we didn’t delve into the books too much but i really wanted to absorb the knowledge they have to offer. has anyone else had a similar experience and could you share a solution please?

Reply 1

Squiggles1238

20

Does your university offer different textbooks for the course/modules? For example, we have one main one we use for each paper, but were signposted to other textbooks that were more introductory, or were just written in different formats

Reply 2

haroon_2003

OP

4

Original post

by Squiggles1238

Does your university offer different textbooks for the course/modules? For example, we have one main one we use for each paper, but were signposted to other textbooks that were more introductory, or were just written in different formats

i wanted to become familiar with wireless communications before heading into third year, this is the fundamentals book i found, it’s not really part of the curriculum

Reply 3

Squiggles1238

20

Original post

by haroon_2003

i wanted to become familiar with wireless communications before heading into third year, this is the fundamentals book i found, it’s not really part of the curriculum

Could you speak to any lecturers and ask what they recommend you do? When you return of course. Do you have someone that overlooks your studies? I can’t think of the equivalent of a Director of Studies that a university normally has, but someone like that?

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Sometimes such "textbooks" are not written so much for didactic purposes but as reference manuals for people who already know the material.

Also sometimes there are just bad books for a particular topic! Sometimes you need to "shop around" for one that is better written. Also sometimes one might just not really suit your particular learning style :smile:

For example, in a different subject area:

Spoiler

So don't just stop after finding one textbook - look for others in that area. If you don't have a reading list or bibliography to work off from your current institution for that subject area, look at what is suggested by other unis offering similar modules/classes in that topic.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 5

jjtetrabyte33

2

Original post

by haroon_2003

I did in A-Level physics, chemistry, and math, finding the textbooks clear and understandable. Now, going into my third of university, I struggle to grasp detailed concepts in textbooks like "Fundamentals to Wireless Communications," as they lack clear explanations. throughout my course so far we didn’t delve into the books too much but i really wanted to absorb the knowledge they have to offer. has anyone else had a similar experience and could you share a solution please?

Totally with you. They write as if you supposed to understand everything already!-appalling especially for autistic people who struggle with comprehension. Like doctors they like to keep everything mysterious so only if done a pHD can understand

why are university textbooks so difficult to understand?

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