<p>I have literally no physics background unless I consider freshman year in HS where I got a D- and C- for 2 trimesters. I read the plan of study for Purdue’s first year engineering program and it says Physics: Mechanics second semester. Now, I know I will get my ass kicked since I have no background in physics at all, and this is the equivalent of a magnified AP Physics C course. What can I do to prepare for this? I ordered a Physics for Dummies book a few days ago, will that be enough background information for Mechanics? Or am I truly screwed? It seems that my chosen specialization (Chem E) will not use much physics after the first year; Mechanics is just a prerequisite before I branch off into Chem E. Thoughts?</p>
<p>You need to know basic mechanics for any engineering. For chemE there is plenty of fluid mechanics involved with transport that you at least need to be proficient with force body diagrams, etc (and you will need to be even more comfortable with mechanics if you decide to do anything involving polymers).</p>
<p>Until you get to the upper division courses, most physics classes are all about time you put in to get yourself to understand the concepts (repetition, repetition, repetition). If you’re already scared, you will hopefully set yourself up for success by working hard. I would recommend any book of practice problems the physics department has, going to office hrs (and, if they have them, problem sessions). At Berkeley, there was a book called “the Portable TA” or something like that by Elby that was useful for simple concepts (FBDs, etc.). The biggest mistake you can make is to be embarrased about your abilities and not seek out help (especially early on).</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p><em>claps for the “don’t be embarrassed about your weaknesses” point</em></p>
<p>Definitely, definitely, definitely crucial. Everyone’s got strengths and weaknesses, and IMO, if you just stay on top of things and admit where you need help, and then go and GET that help, then you’ll be more than fine. Just keep up with readings, work in groups, go see the TA/prof regularly during office hours, and stay on top of the material as you come to it, and you should be okay.</p>
<p>Best of luck! You can do it!</p>
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<p>Indian, I’m not sure how your school runs it but UCSD has a physics tutorial center which is open Sunday through Thursday from 3-8…walk in (no appointment) and 100% free. There is likely something similar where you’re going.</p>
<p>Lol- you’re going to have a heart attack before you even start college. You’re WAY too worried about the difficulty of courses. You’ll do just fine if you put forth a little effort.</p>
<p>The reason why I’m so worried is because I’ve blown off much of highschool since I thought it was pointless. I’ve been waiting until college to try my best because that’s where it really shows. Much of the 4.0’s in high school can be achieved by hardwork itself, but I know that’s not true in college. I can work my ass off there but I know that I will still have problems so that’s why I’m trying to understand how to prevent them. My school is Purdue, which is notorious for it’s 3 weed out courses: Calc, Chem, Phys. I got a D/D+ in AP chem senior year because I blew off every test and didn’t try. I went over some stuff before the final and I understood nearly every concept perfectly except for some of the KSP/Acids & Bases math concepts. I just don’t know what to do right now, before my first day (Aug 21st)</p>
<p>Intro physics can be done without much (or any) prior knowledge of the subject. I learned NOTHING in high school physics. We had a first year teacher who had no idea what was going on and couldn’t even control the classroom. I ended up doing fine in physics in college. It is usually taught from scratch.</p>
<p>mechanics at purdue really isn’t all that bad. You don’t really need to know much background. but if you’re really worried about mechanics (PHYS 152), take PHYS 149 first semester if you have time.</p>
<p>What is PHYS 149?</p>
<p>PHYS 149 is just an intro course. this is its description:</p>
<p>Designed primarily for engineering students in need of preparation for PHYS 152. Basic concepts of kinematics, dynamics, mechanical energy, heat energy, and wave motion.</p>