Question

new here, can someone please let me know where to begin? which course to start with to allow me the ability to gain a solid foundation and understanding before jumping ahead to anything else?

Answer 1

still no reply? tsk, tsk, this isn't starting out to seem very promising unfortunately...

Answer 2

I would definitely start with the owc classical mechanics course. You will need a good foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and single variable calculus to appreciate it. It is a hard course, way harder than my intro physics course. That's the place to start, then you can move onto multivariable calculus, then the owc electromagnetism course. The best way to learn is to not look at the solution to the problem right away, but to think about it and get the physics in your head. If you are new to physics, you will want to read the book, the course moves very quick. The book is downloadable on the Internet.n

Answer 3

If you are looking for a study partner, I am about to start this OCW Classical Mechanics course. I may not have all of the prerequisite skills yet, but I figure I can take the time to learn them as I encounter the need for them. You are welcome to join me if you like.

Answer 4

classical mechanics, of course. Just watch the video, solve some problems, and prepare a book to read (college physics/ “Halliday's” or “Serway's” or “Feynman's” or “Sears and Zemansky’s”) http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/Syllabus/ Look here. And Read 'Before you begin this course'. Use some course notes, homework problems, Concept Tests, etc. and before you actually start, I think 'Cartoon Guide to Physics' will be quite helpful when you're a beginner. a site called edx is also very useful.

Answer 5

You may skip the lecture on 'units'.

Answer 6

@gypsy1274 I'm about to begin this course as well. I'm starting tomorrow morning, in fact.

Answer 7

@jwhite71 If it's helpful, the following is the course sequence I intend to follow (all from the MIT OCW site):

8.01
18.01
8.02
18.02
18.03
8.03
8.04
8.044
18.06
8.05
8.06
8.13 and 8.14
3.091
8.07
8.09
8.20
18.100B
8.21
8.033
8.251

Answer 8

The list I provided above is the sequence necessary for a Physics Undergraduate, with the required Mathematics and Chemistry included in such a manner that by proceeding down the list you will have always completed the necessary pre-requisites as you get to the next course.

It does NOT include any of the general institute requirements for humanities or anything beyond the required physics and associated pre-requisites.