So You Want a Degree in Physics

Even if you don't, watch anyway. Maybe I’ll convince you. And if not, maybe I’ll impart some important skills or perspectives upon you. A lot of what I say can be applied not only to physics, but to other academic disciplines as well.
Online resources for learning math:
Khan Academy
www.khanacademy.org/math/
patrickjmt
/ patrickjmt
Dr. Chris Tisdell
/ drchristisdell
MIT Open Courseware
/ mit
Here are some resources for learning physics (in order of increasing difficulty)
Amateur (little to no math)
A Briefer History of Time by Stephen Hawking
The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene
Cosmos by Carl Sagan
Fearful Symmetry by Anthony Zee
Recruit (some calculus, maybe a DiffEQ here or there)
University Physics by Roger Freedman
Physics (Vol 1 and 2) by Resnick, Halliday, and Krane
Regular (know calculus cold, and have a good handle on DiffEQs)
An Introduction to Mechanics by Kleppner and Kolenkow
Electricity and Magnetism by Purcell
Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics by Ashley Carter
Hardened (all of the “baby maths” should be second nature to you)
Classical Mechanics by Taylor
Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths
Introduction to Elementary Particles by Griffiths
Veteran (you will not survive)
A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics by Townsend
Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell by Anthony Zee
Studies indicating that studying in pairs is ideal:
Hake, R. R. (1998). Interactive-engagement versus traditional methods: A six-thousand-student survey of mechanics test data for introductory physics courses. American journal of Physics, 66, 64.
Hoellwarth, C., & Moelter, M. J. (2011). The implications of a robust curriculum in introductory mechanics. American Journal of Physics, 79, 540.
Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of engineering education, 93(3), 223-231.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/...
www.colorincolorado.org/articl...
Support me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=581251

[@ohguilty950]

I've been called crazy by my teachers, friends, and family for wanting to get a physics degree. I can confirm that I am crazy.

[@vpr1422]

:watchout:

[@rudhrateja4967]

Well that's what smart people get from average iq people just do what you like and what you are good at cause at the end of line you are the only person who cares about you

[@justinw8370]

In my opinion, a little crazy goes a long way.

[@Yani_Ya]

The ppl I know barely know whho Tesla is and never heard of Hawking so consider urself lucky that the ppl around u know what physics is

[@erberlon]

What teacher would tell call someone crazy for wanting to get into physics???

[@Ett.Gammalt.Bergtroll]

"Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something!"

[@theworldiknow6482]

Berserkarn MATHEMATICAL!!!

[@MrCmon113]

+Berserkarn It's rather the recognition of ones own ignorance / impotence, which is the basis of knowledge and power.

[@marloscatos3001]

Huh, maybe I can finally use C++ without having to almost mimicking someone else's code... maybe :I

[@penebob1183]

Bruh. You make me feel good now. Thank

[@asmitaghorai7332]

@@marloscatos3001 Oh that phase.. jeez!

[@ivanfuseri6032]

Just passing to tell you that I actually made my mind 3 years ago watching this video, now I got my degree. thanks

[@jmccullough975]

Are you goijg to grad school?

[@ivanfuseri6032]

@@jmccullough975 Hey, yes, Indeed im focussing on supeconductivity, passed 6 exams already, im taking QED in a few days and then im done for this year, next year i have 2 more exams and then my thesis, almost there!

[@jmccullough975]

@@ivanfuseri6032 congrats man that’s awesome! I’m just starting. I changed from pre-law to physics and maths. Any advice?

[@ivanfuseri6032]

@@jmccullough975 best of luck man. My advice Is to not be afraid if things seems way too hard at First, and to be consistent with exercises, i usually learn close to nothing while being passive (Reading theory for example) and learn a lot while doing exercises. You dont have to do tons of exercises, but be sure to know exactly what you are doing and why

[@GabeHanley]

@@ivanfuseri6032 bro before you got your physics degree what was your level of math in high school? were you good at it or did you have to work your ass off?

[@bensparrow3356]

To any high school students or maybe college freshmen watching this video getting anxious as hell, it's not quite as bad as he makes it seem. Yes you need a certain amount of dedication to study physics, that's a given for anything you decide to study or practice. It takes years and years to become a guitar expert, same is true for physics. Yes you need math, and you'll need to understand some concepts that some really smart people came up with. But these things aren't presented to you all at once. Everything gets slowly built up over the years, and the fundamentals like calculus you end up using every day of lecture. Trust me, it's easy to become really good at something when you have to do it every day. And you have many professors (some bad, mostly good), graduate students, study groups, and online resources to get you through it all. What I do have to say is you have to enjoy learning physics to take on a physics degree, especially a graduate level degree. If you decide to pursue the research route, you'll be learning physics throughout your career too because you're trying to learn new physics so you can tell others about it. But you won't know if you like it until you try it, it's okay if you don't. But if you do, it's really enjoyable! Knowing how to do calculus in your sleep is a rewarding accomplishment. I'm not a big music person but if we use the guitar analogy again, you keep learning new songs and they get more complicated and sometimes you go back to ones you remember struggling through and you're like wow this is easy af I'm so good at this now. That's the kind of feeling you have. So give it a try! This has been my ted talk.

[@isaiahwilliams9194]

This was beautiful said.

[@luciel3910]

well, but what really scares me is: he is saying is at 10:50 "At this point you will maybe learn special relativity. thats after about 2 years." But my courses say we talk about SRT after about 6 month...

[@bensparrow3356]

@@luciel3910 Hey, don't worry about Special Relativity. There is an advanced approach and a simple approach, you will likely cover the simple approach which you will be ready for when you get to it. If you'd like to know what you're getting into ahead of time find a pdf of a modern physics book for year 1 or year 2 students and find the special relativity section. It's conceptually interesting and can be hard to visualize but you can derive the governing equations with a simple algebra approach.

[@kyeong-mingooh2973]

Thank you for this

[@luciel3910]

@@bensparrow3356 yeah i know, i already did a presentation in high school about time dilatation. I was worried about the real algebra with galilean-transformation to Einsteinian-transformations, but after i had the galilean part i am somewhat confident, that i will be fine

[@entropy7888]

I have no fear. 16 minutes and 53 seconds later: *One fear.*

[@louiethelooper4604]

Great video! Finishing my Physics degree this semester at age 41. it can be done at any age and under any circumstances!

[@ganapatikitty]

How was it ? And what are you using it for? That’s really inspiring, im 27 right now

[@louiethelooper4604]

@@ganapatikitty It was challenging but extremely satisfying when completed. I graduated with honors. I took a position as a researcher in a physics lab at a university. From there I completed a masters in material science. I currently work as an engineer/scientist in industry. Also, I was a terrible/lazy student in high school. I had no career direction.

[@max410bery]

​​@@louiethelooper4604 I am also starting at 27. I am so glad to hear your story with it! 😊

[@louiethelooper4604]

@@max410bery you are still young!!! Study hard, learn, enjoy the journey!

[@user-on7hg3cy1k]

@@louiethelooper4604 How long did it take you?

[@Thydeepestfear]

I'm 26 years old and have never had a passion for anything in life until I stumbled across physics, especially the Astro kind. It had such a deep effect on my entire being that I've decided that I'm going back to my community college to complete my AA and hopefully I can see what I have to do to pursue a degree in physics. I'm terrible at math and have never been a good student and yet none of that matters right now. I will become good at the things that I was once weak at and will get into a university. I know this because I don't give a shit about failing. I've been failing my whole life and this is the one thing I genuinely want to be good at. If you have a passion in life go for it, because if you don't you'll only be letting yourself down.

[@swagunit3084]

Right on man, do 10000 hours of math before hand. Seriously

[@jacobharris5894]

It’s been six years. How did it go? I’m a few weeks away from finishing assuming I pass all my classes.

[@consciousape]

Wonder how it has been going

[@simonepellegrino2337]

So curious to know brother

[@max410bery]

Same here actually, right down to the same age when I decided to go back to school! Just started my first semester! 😊 Hope it's going good!

[@djt6fan]

"If you want it badly enough, you can have it, provided that you work for it." I swear to God, if you say it one more time...

[@DarkMatter2525]

If that's "baby math" then I must being doing zygote math. Fuck it, I'm still doing money shot math.

[@KingCrocoduck]

I am so using that. "Money shot math." XD

[@InorganicVegan]

Spermatogenesis math.

[@redeamed19]

DarkMatter2525 I was going to learn more advanced maths, but it appears that part of my brain wore a condom.

[@greenzoid2]

DarkMatter2525 Ahahahaha that is the best thing I've ever heard

[@joshuaglover6707]

DarkMatter2525 Zygote math? Damn. I must be a gamete. Well crap. I was consumed by a female's Macrophage.

[@pthebeast2]

2:18 "it's not that we're geniuses or anything". How humble of you!

[@BragCPTNBob]

I appreciate your sense of humor, because throughout the video, you scared a high school student to death who wants to study physics. lol

[@timhorton2486]

It's really not so bad. You just have to stay focused.

[@Reivivus]

The important thing to realize is that you can't learn it all in one night, nor can you learn it all. Just learn one thing at a time and you'll have a lot of tools in your toolbox of skills.

[@anshsrivastava2966]

I'm a high school student and it didn't scare me.I WILL MASTER PHYSICS.

[@TheBoagboy]

me. that was me.

[@remlewis1111]

me too my man XD

[@DamaKubu]

if that's baby math, well when I'm spermetozoyd.

[@007RAJKOify]

I am pre born and in incubator. I was sad about this but bnow I cant even do that....

[@jeremyjoe7494]

Everything he said until 11:00 I've already been taught and I'm just finishing my first year doing general physics course at UoM. And he is right, if you do physics/math, you will eventually learn it no matter what. The only obstacle is your own laziness :)

[@pomegranate6810]

Well what do you want to do?

[@KingCrocoduck]

Hello everyone, and sorry for my month long hiatus. You know how it is… well, here’s a video that I’ve been meaning to produce for some time. It’s quite different from the usual stuff, but as I’m planning on making this channel more education-oriented, this seems like a good leg to pivot on. Don’t worry, I’m still going to be debunking pseudoscience (and creationists especially!) but before I do, I’m going to have to finish that quantum physics series (which is near completion.) And after that series is complete… well, you’ll see.

[@InorganicVegan]

Well, delightful. Look more into the anti gmo pseudoscience camp.

[@arbiterofreason2068]

King Crocoduck I have stopped procrastinating and at 31 I'm getting my education and it's you who have made me get off of my ars and do it! thanx :)

[@blackfeathercrafts]

I am excited to see where you go with the new vids!!!

[@getoffthestageyoufatf1870]

King Crocoduck Bah, apparently I only did baby maths during Engineering (mid 1990's). :) Loved Laplace transforms, but I sucked at strict sinusoidal calculus (I was a terrible student back then). Great advice KC.

[@MrAudienceMember2662015]

King Crocoduck After this video, you need to stop apologizing for the time you are absent from You Tube. We can simply wait and enjoy when you do upload because it will be obvious that something is important enough for you to make a video about it instead of studying. And, if the choice is a video or getting laid...you don't have to be a physicist to figure this one out.

[@jackd3910]

fuck, I'm scared.

[@caifancabr0n699]

+jojojorisjhjosef mah nigga

[@briabree7683]

Jack D how's it going??

[@felixgonzales9786]

don't be or uh...i hope you weren't? it's not all bad. the guy in the video really makes it seem significantly harder than it actually is - third year physics major

[@francosanson9623]

Felix Gonzales I imagine it like waking up, studying and eating and going to bed, for the rest of your life until you get the degree.

[@felixgonzales9786]

Franco Sanson yeah except you sleep a lot less and most of your attempts at problems are going to be wrong (initially) so if you can accept that you're fine

[@benswolo6928]

I just wanted to let you know man, you convinced me to be a physics major, and I’m now a biophysicist taking the physics GRE tomorrow. I’ve never met you, but you were the deciding factor that put me on this path. You’re the GOAT

[@KingCrocoduck]

Good luck! I know you'll kill it!

[@travisbickle8119]

How did it go?

[@benswolo6928]

@@travisbickle8119 I wound up jumping from a sub 100 undergrad to one of the top ten physics programs. My hint is that it’s in California by the beach. I now do experimental PhD research in DNA Nanotechnology (as a soft matter physicist) and am almost done the masters component of the coursework!

[@ourmuse]

Wow it's my first time hearing word biophysicist 🤔 very interesting and sounds cool hehe

[@okthisisepic2928]

​@@benswolo6928Hello. I really like learning things like physics and biology but learning can become boring when you stray from general overviews/principals to smaller details. How interesting is what you do day to day? More importantly how interesting was learning physics and biology in college?

[@nicolledransfeldt6703]

Thank you for the motivational video. I vow to watch this once a month around the time I feel like crying, or giving up completely. What did I get myself into? It hurts so good.

[@KingCrocoduck]

That's the fucking spirit

[@FiniteAtticus]

Thanks! Now... could you repeat like, all of that?

[@GamePlayMetal]

Finite Atticus That's what my puny brain felt, too. (I love lemme finish btw, just catching up with the latest episodes :D)

[@Recon_Ninja]

Finite Atticus www.infinitelooper.com/?v=Kk8q500rYo4&p=n

[@FiniteAtticus]

117reconninja lol.

[@redeamed19]

Finite Atticus If you want a refresher on the ideas expressed in this video, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZybomhmZdeMpZY

[@redeamed19]

117reconninja damn it you beat me to it :P

[@BangMaster96]

I like Physics, but what i hate is Physics Professors who are terrible at teaching Physic My College professor ruined my Physics experience because he was unable to teach anything I had to learn everything by my self, and it fried my brain to crisp, the amount of confusion and difficulty in some of the concepts just made me mad Thanks to my shitty professor, who just read powerpoint slides the whole Semester, i learned nothing in Physics if it were up to me, i would have fired that professor faster than light speed I still like Physics, even tho i am a Computer Science Major

[@BangMaster96]

***** I did, in our student survey, that he gets to read, i told everything that he sucks at why are you wasting your time telling me what to do

[@marcchami8851]

Sunny shah hey man. I'm thinking of going into computer science, but also enjoy physics. Just wondering how do you like it so far? Are you taking minor in physics and major in computer science? That's what I'm thinking of doing but wondering if it's a lot to handle or not. Would love some feedback

[@BangMaster96]

zJazz I am a computer science major, and Math minor, but since Physics is applied Mathematics in real world, that's the reason i like it, so i am just going to take 3 mandatory Physics course that are required for engineering classes, even tho they are not required for Computer Science, i am still going to take them just for fun

[@marcchami8851]

Sunny shah if you were to apply for a job, would those physics classes show?

[@BangMaster96]

zJazz your job doesn't care what classes you took in College besides Computer Related classes no job is going to give a damn if you did some extra class in for example Biology, or Geology, they only care about your programming skills and physics has nothing to do with programming, so i am sure even if i show it to them, they wouldn't give a damn

[@Nithion]

“If you want it bad enough, you can have it, provided that you work for it.”

[@christhurman2350]

as a physics major, I must say that this is spot on...

[@realityversusfiction9960]

KEEP IT SIMPLE AXIOMS For any drawn line to exist, it must possess a substance with an area of width. Given a single shape of area separated into two halves by a single drawn line, there will be two smaller shapes to the area, and a single area of the drawn line. The sum of the area to a drawn shape is inclusive of the areas of any lines drawn within the limits of a shape's outline. The sum of the area to a drawn shape is not inclusive of the surrounding area to that of its drawn outline. The total sum of any drawn line is defined by its atomic weight, not by its length and the width of its area. METAPHYSICAL NON-GEOMETRIC LINES Metaphysical lines go into all of the formations of the patterns and shapes of the star constellations, however, although they are generally both discernible and recognisable in nature, they do not possess any substance of length width or of atomic weight. A singular metaphysical line pattern or shape only exists within the singular mind of its creator, until it is transmitted to others. The sum of all metaphysical lines patterns shapes and substance is the sum of creation. METAPHYSICAL NON-GEOMETRIC SHAPES Given the single length of a right angle multiplied by four, the length of the perimeter of the square will be four times as long as the single length of right-angle. Given the single length of a right angle multiplied by three, the length of the perimeter of the circle will be three times as long as the single length of right-angle. THE LENGTH TO A CIRCLES EDGE Using a 120-centimetre length of diameter multiply this by 3 The circle's edge length is 360 centimetres in length The circle's edge length has 360 degrees of subdivision The circle's edge length is 360 centimetres long, and each one of its 360 degrees is 1 centimetre in length SUMERIAN METHOD - CALCULATING THE AREA OF A CIRCLE Using a 120-centimetre length of diameter multiply this by 3 1. The Circles Edge is 360 cm long 2. Multiply the 360 centimetres "Edge Length" by itself = 129, 600 square centimetres 3. Divide 129, 600 by 12 = 10, 800 Square Centimetres to the Area of the Circle ARCHIMEDES: PROPOSITION The area of any circle is equal to a right-angled triangle in which one of the sides about the triangle is equal to the radius, and the other to the circumference of the circle. Archimedes Triangle The Circle in question has a 120-centimetre Diameter length 1. The base right-angle is equal to the radius of 60 centimetres 2. The area of the circle is equal to the above right-angle triangle, which has one side that is equal to the 60-centimetre radius, and the other to the 360-centimetre circumference of the circle 3. The 360-centimetre height of the right-angle is equal to 6 x the 60-centimetre radius length 4. (1r) 60 centimetres x (6r) 360 centimetres is 21, 600 square centimetres the area of the rectangle 5. Half of the rectangle is 10, 800 square centimetres 6. The area of the triangle is half of the 1r x 6r rectangle 7. Half of the 1r x 6r rectangle is 1r x 3r 8. (1r) 60 centimetres x (3r) 180 centimetres = 10, 800 square centimetres THREE TIMES THE RADIUS SQUARED 1. The Diameter of the Circle is 120 centimetres 2. The diameter x 120 centimetres gives, 14, 400 square centimetres to the square of the diameter 3. The 60-centimetre radius x 60 centimetres yields 3, 600 square centimetres to the square of the radius 4. The square of the radius x 3 gives, 10, 800 square centimetres to the area of the Circle SUMERIAN AREA: 10, 800 square centimetres ARCHIMEDEAN AREA 10, 800 square centimetres THREE TIMES THE RADIUS SQUARED AREA: 10, 800 square centimetres FOUR QUADRANTS 10,800 square centimetres Four identical results millennia apart must be correct, as they cannot be coincidental. TWELVE STEPS FROM A CUBE TO ITS INTERNAL SPHERE Calculating the surface area and volume of a 6-centimetre diameter sphere, obtained from a 6-centimetre high cube. 1. Measure the (a) cubes height to obtain its Diameter Line, which in this case is 6 centimetres. 2. Multiply 6 cm x 6 cm to obtain the square area of one face of the cube; and add them together to obtain the length of the perimeter to the square face = Length 24 cm, Square area 36 square cm. 3. Multiply the square area, by the length of diameter line to yield the cubic capacity = 216 cubic cm. 4. Divide the cubic capacity by 4, to yield one-quarter of the cubic capacity of the cube = 54 cubic cm. 5. Multiply the one quarter cubic capacity by 3. to yield the cubic capacity of the Cylinder = 162 cubic cm. 6. Multiply the area of one face of the cube by 6, to yield the cubes surface area = 216 square cm. 7. Divide the cubes surface area by 4, to yield one-quarter of the cubes surface area = 54 square cm. 8. Multiply the one quarter surface area of the cube by 3, to yield the three quarter surface area of the Cylinder = 162 square cm. CYLINDER TO SPHERE 9. Divide the Cylinders cubic capacity by 4, to yield one-quarter of the cubic capacity of the Cylinder = 40 & a half cubic cm. 10. Multiply the one quarter cubic capacity by 3, to yield the three quarter cubic capacity of the Sphere = 121 & a half cubic cm, to the volume of the Sphere. 11. Divide the Cylinders surface are by 4, to yield one-quarter of the surface area of the Cylinder = 40 & a half square cm. 12. Multiply the one quarter surface area by 3 to yield the three quarter surface area of the Sphere = 121 & a half square cm, to the surface area of the Sphere CONFIRMATION BY WEIGHT Given that the 6 Centimetre Diameter Line Sphere which was obtained from a Wooden Cube weighed 160 grams, prior to it being turned on a wood lathe into the shape of a sphere The Cylinder of the Cube would weigh 120 grams The waste wood shavings would weigh 40 grams Given that the Cylinder weighed 120 grams The waste wood shavings would weigh 30 grams Note: And ironically you can also obtain this same result by volume, using Archimedes Principle. www.fromthecircletothesphere.net

[@nikg8052]

Being a physicist myself I concur with almost everything you said. But Gallons? Really?

[@parthasur6018]

+Nik G In USA I believe they still use miles, pounds and gallons! Many still consider the metric system as European nonsense!

[@nikg8052]

Partha Sur Yes, I know. And it is quite sad.

[@anthonymillar4145]

+Partha Sur I'm a physicist in Australia. I can assure that SI aka standard international measurements i.e metric are commonplace in physics.

[@karbon9703]

+Nik G As long as it gets the job done, there's nothing wrong with it.

[@nikg8052]

Bradley Eversley OK, then I will measure distance in pinkies and temperature in snowflakes. 23.143 pinkies is one head btw. And 0 snowflakes is the temperature of my armpit when I'm jogging. You see, it gets the job done...

[@columbiariverdetailing1943]

I'm actually about to finish my 4 year in astrophysics. Going for my PhD if things keep going good.

[@faguni0179]

Hey I am thinking that that is where my interest lies. Can you tell me how it is? If I wanna learn more about it, could you recommend good sources?

[@columbiariverdetailing1943]

@@faguni0179 Neil Degrasse Tyson has some amazing books start there

[@achyuththouta6957]

@@columbiariverdetailing1943 Do you believe in Big Bang theory?

[@JohnJohn-ps1yq]

Hey, so ever since I was a kid I loved astronomy and was fascinated by it. I really want to study astrophysics but I heard that it isn't worth it. What do you think? should I do it?

[@deathnote4171]

@@JohnJohn-ps1yq bro watch this free course kzbin.info/aero/PL8dPuuaLjXtPAJr1ysd5yGIyiSFuh0mIL

[@enigma9306]

Knot theory is so complex, seriously. I think it's probably the hardest thing you listed.

[@shumailkhan7205]

Tell me about it

[@ReggieRed91]

"The more you learn, the stupider you feel" Oh wow that hit so close to home. I'm graduating with my BS in Physics in fall and I honestly feel as though I haven't learned anything.

[@DnlLauridsen]

The first 5 minutes I was like "I can do this! it will be hard but I can do it!" and then you said"this is what is called baby math" . . .

[@fadope1612]

I am studying Physics in Germany and I am about to give up... but watching this video gave me a new motivation to continue

[@zahrafm_]

Im planning to study physics in Germany as well, but why you were about to give up tho?

[@inorite4553]

Hey!!! I'm 35 but not fat

[@ryanmiller63]

hahahahah i get it

[@Hampardo]

I don't

[@Jason-bg7jc]

Just wanna let you know, this video inspired me to pursue my dream. I start my undergrad fall '21 in physics while I re-learn some high school math and I'm looking at PhD programs. Thank you for this video.

[@Scorponox93]

And here I am, watching these video instead of doing my report, hehehe. Ok, I'll get to it.

[@depressoexpresso5013]

Did you finish it?

[@dylansheehan9450]

@@depressoexpresso5013 I think we asked to early man

[@dylansheehan9450]

gotta give him some time ya know

[@theobserver314]

@@dylansheehan9450 I think you mean "to late" since the comment post is 2yrs and counting.

[@kaungkyaw465]

@@theobserver314 that's the joke

[@thechaoslp2047]

This gave me anxiety

[@GoblinGreen911]

hahahahahahahaah

[@GoblinGreen911]

hahahahahahahaah

[@thecuriousowl6663]

TheChaosLp hahhaahaha

[@charmendro]

Same bro

[@marloscatos3001]

+TheChaosLp I mean, would you rather know the options that you can take before you finally decide what you want to do, or not know anything about your options entirely and hope for the best that you will make it through? I'd rather know what I'm getting into, even if it makes me worried about what would happen if I took "this" class instead of "that" other class. At least I can have some type of vantage point on the qualifications to get a physics degree, even if it's simply by finding out the options on what types of maths and classes are needed to get me one step closer to getting my degree.

[@derekthomson3025]

A much needed vid. not for me, my time has been. But others younger should appreciate this. When I was studying (60's), books are all we had, and not all libraries/bookshops stocked what you needed. Information was difficult to come by. Now info is so readily available it bewilders me that some people don't even use it but continue to spout their same ill informed uneducated opinions anyway. Whoops - sorry - started to go into rant mode for a second there. Wish you all the best and keep up the good work.

[@elijahr_1998]

man old people on the internet are just so refreshing amirite?

[@erickatz1718]

About halfway through my first semester of engineering. I can say that you were a bit of an inspiration to do stem field. Thanks KC, and I wish you luck in your endeavors

[@josepadilla]

This is a phenomenal video. Hat off to you sir.

[@andrewforte2018]

I saw this video (along with many others) several years ago. I am now in my second year in a physics degree at the University of Florida. It is difficult for me to express how grateful I am for videos like this that turned my love of math and puzzle solving into a rewarding career path. I still have a LONG way to go, but I feel very good about the future. Thank you KC for not only introducing me to much of the physics that I am now studying in depth, but also for showing me the importance of critical thought.

[@user-ps6vn7pg5k]

Heyyy, I'm a senior at high school in I'm thinking of studying physics at university of Florida, so if you Don't mind giving me some advice n also do you recommended to study physics in Florida uni or texas a&m or miami?, I'm sorry for the long question n thank uuu

[@jettdormitorio8555]

i can still remember being discouraged by this in 2017 bc i couldn't do basic quadratic formula after graduating high school. I stopped and studied on my own and now I'm in my third yr under bs mathematics (ik it used to be physics) and running for honors (if i can haha). I even got a major scholarship for undergraduate studies. Thanks, King!

[@danieldvs100]

I'll stick to welding for my way out. thank you for helping me decide.

[@ThePaintballgun]

I'm so excited

[@ThePaintballgun]

+Blake Hagar I'm gonna be smart as fuck

[@mimilovebug8503]

+Don't Even Bother are you studying it yet? how's it going? that's the best part is the afterwards. when people ask what you do for a living hah

[@ThePaintballgun]

+mimi lovebug Haha I just finished my first year of university studying chemistry (yaya, laugh it up) (summa cum laude btw). If I (a known stoner tbh) can do it, believe me anyone can.

[@mimilovebug8503]

Don't Even Bother I believe in you! Physics is tough but you can do it. Let me know how it goes. I'm the mind of person who wants to study everything. Am starting off with a biological degree but am sure. I feel like I am selling myself short and can do something a bit more challenging. Any advice?

[@ThePaintballgun]

mimi lovebug Aha thanks, it went pretty great. I am the same, I am interested in anything. My advice is to do what you want to. The less time you waste studying something you don't want, the better!! Good luck :)

[@RicXD15]

welp... now im overwhelmed

[@KingCrocoduck]

Don't be. Just take it a step at a time

[@007RAJKOify]

Studying physics isnt like climbing a moutain, its like jumping from a cliff into the abbys. You cant stop and you keep going faster untill you burn out. I am not regreting it though. Since I am a university freshman you may say I havent seen half of it but it doesnt matter, I will in time. What you said about older people attending is completely true. Some of rthem even fall back 3/4 times but they still come.

[@eitkoml]

You should do a video about the right way to learn math, how you went from barely scraping by to doing well at it. It might be the best video on your channel.

[@007RAJKOify]

Consistency man. You need to work every day, not much but enough.

[@007RAJKOify]

Do you know a good place where I can find tutorials about linear algebra?

[@liberval9425]

Dude.. seriously... thank you for this video.

[@phillipchavez1321]

1:54 Physics is the art of problem-solving 2:36-3:26 how to learn to do physics 3:46-4:20 What happens the more learn physics 16:02 KingCrocoduck's rules to studying physics

[@JollySunKnight]

This video has been the tipping point for me to change my major from nursing to physics and I sincerely thank you for the information you've provided, as I will reference it throughout my education.

[@valeri446]

How’d it go?

[@segala7853]

Yeah how'd it go

[@andrewparker318]

Dude I cannot explain how motivational and informative this video was for me. As a struggling freshman studying Astrophysics at Embry Riddle, this video was exactly what I needed to see to help me move forward

[@hamburgerdan101]

This overwhelmed me I’m going back to my shell where I know I know nothing but I’m heading in the right direction step by step

[@trevorwillis1729]

Great stuff man. Thanks for putting the time in for us.

[@chrisallen9509]

Pretty cool that when I first watched this I was in high school taking my first physics class. Now I’m a second year PhD student working on theoretical cosmology and dynamics of large structures in the universe

[@thejbo777]

Thank you so much for this video! I personally want to major in physics and you definitely gave me some important insight and motivation!

[@lillynuval8151]

Dude! This is by far the best Physics guide video that I've ever watched! Thank you!

[@KartyMcFarty]

I watched this video years ago before I started my undergrad. I graduated a few years ago and its pretty cool to see this again as it was a big influence on my decision.

[@thesuki]

6 years ago I watched this video doing my undergrad degree. Now I’m at a UC PhD candidate in Physical Chemistry. I feel like this is a much more theory heavy video. I would suggest learning how everyday objects work if you plan on going into an experimental route. How does an LED work? How does a microwave work? This is how you can build this so that it works repeatedly and precisely for a thousand hours.

[@Justaguy10723]

you mean the physics part of LED and microwave right?

[@BamaFanEdge]

I am going into physics. This video just scared the shit out of me.

[@KingCrocoduck]

BamaFanEdge Don't be scared! Just followed the rules and you'll be fine :)

[@1986Hikaru]

hey King Crocoduck, i divided something by zero... Its a bad thing?

[@KingCrocoduck]

Darcy Dettmann Junior you have doomed us all

[@1986Hikaru]

King Crocoduck well, shit

[@theworldiknow6482]

BamaFanEdge It's a lot of fun, and wait to you get to your first lab and get to play with all the toys. And if you want to talk scared, try walking into a lab, and the guy running your class has his name on the lab...

[@justinw8370]

I’m a first year physics student, but already I notice that there is a considerable amount of nuance in the content you learn. As a quick example, there are often parameters that the textbook introduces that seem to come out of nowhere, such as the effective potential energy (in intro mechanics) and they say that effective potential energy isn’t “actual” potential energy but has a component of kinetic energy (tangential in this case).

[@Grant-Duncan]

I'm an aspiring physicist in my second year of college and im waiting your video!!!! Than you for taking the time to create this video, even if it is over 4 years old.

[@Simas1234]

Hey man, thanks for the video, I love physics and I am studying it for myself as a hobby and this helped me make a road map for my studies!

[@ChristophPr]

I used to be a math major, yet I joined the darkside and switched to physics. I find physics classes 100 times more interesting in every way. The only downside I find is that physics is brutal

[@doodelay]

This video is really beautiful. It is rare to hear an expert explain in fine detail what it is that must be learned in his area of study. Usually we are given basic platitudes of "you can do it. I just worked hard" etc. But this, this really can make a person appreciate how little they know and how much of what others do. thank you

[@thecentalist3160]

When he is talking over the math that is needed, it brings back old memories.

[@russeldioneo5187]

So 3 years ago i watched this video and was inspired. Alot has happened in those three years, i remembered saving this video on my desktop. Ever since my parents divorced, i let go of my dream for a physics degree, but i still taught myself in any way i can, i taught myself calculus and went through alot of online resources on my own, i very much have a better appreciation for this feild. I dont think ill end up a physicist, hell as of now im just a laborer. But i love this and i cant help but keep learning. Alot went wrong this past few years, im 19 now but still holding on to my little dream. And that was to someday really understand. I dont know what will happen in the future, but ive come a long way, i wont be getting a physics degree anytime soon, im not in school anymore. But ill still be learning. Thank you

[@edwardcashman8723]

Hey, I'm 32 years old and in my third year of a dual major in physics and astronomy. I was a laborer until I was 29, and then something clicked and I decided I needed to pursue this. If its your dream, you can do it. You may not be able to tomorrow, but keep learning and keep looking forward. I wound up moving halfway across the world to pursue this degree, after working for a decade as a chef at a restaurant. Im now only a year away from my degrees, and have experience doing research with AI and machine learning, and I am finally into my upper division physics classes. As a takeaway, dont rule anything out. You are only 19 years old. So much can change over the next few years. If you had the tenacity to learn calculus on your own, I have no doubt you could pursue a degree in physics if you commit to it. Just keep an eye out an seize your opportunities as they come, and you'll be fine. Sorry for the long reply, but your message spoke to me. I've been typing on my phone, so any grammatical errors are probably due to that :P

[@Iyad46gamer]

@@edwardcashman8723 That's inspiring! I looved math and physics so much in HS and did very well at them. I was contemplating going into physics/math but changed to medicine in the last minuite, for practical reasons. I feel so stupid now having done that. While I do enjoy the science and its tangible effect in helping people, and did well at it, I can't imagine doing only that. The heart wants what it wants and I guess some people are wired to like certain things, I have no choice over that. I'm 24 now, and thinking seriously of going back to school for a physics degree after I'm done with med school (or after specialty training to have something to fall back on, but I'll be 29 then). If the consequences weren't catastrophic, I would in a heartbeat drop everything now and start applying. I'm very keen on making it happen. I don't want when I'm older to look back and regret not doing it. I can't forgive myself. so, in the meantime, maybe I'll work really hard on my math skills using the resources that you recommended. But I still have doubts... Will age be a problem to have a fulfilling career in research? Does having a career in another field hurt my chances?

[@Irbeth]

Having read some of the comments on this video I thought I'd post my own experience. For context, I'm just finishing my first year of a Mathematical and Theoretical Physics degree, I'm also 27 and am doing this after 10 years out of education (1 year course to qualify mature students for uni, and now this year) after finding I just really wanted to pursue this path. Technically my course is a maths degree, but I've already studied kinematics, thermodynamics (and dynamics generally), optics, quantum mechanics and special relativity - and if you looked at my future modules it is basically a physics course with a bit more maths and analysis. So, when I decided to set out on this path I sucked at maths. Not "Oh, I got an A, not an A+", but I got a C in high school and didn't study it at all in college when I was a teenager as I had no particular interest in either maths or physics at that age. Setting out to get a qualification to make it in to uni was rather daunting but if you put the work in, I don't think it's beyond anyone who would be inclined to even consider a physics degree. The simple rule is: To get better at maths, do maths! When I got to uni though, it was still very apparent to me that whilst my one year course (and some extra work and summer classes) had gotten me on to the course, I was still behind the 18 year olds fresh from their A Level maths. So I studied, I attended lectures, I asked others for help, I attended every tutorial and now I'm really getting to the point where I'm gaining confidence in math. I went from a C in GCSE, to now being confident with integral and differential calculus, differential equations, vector and coordinate geometry and a whole bunch of other stuff - and it's fun. As an aside, mathematical analysis (generating mathematical proofs from first principles) is really fun! :D KC is right though when he says that the hardest part is forming the question. I've found once you learn the physics the ideas are generally pretty simple, but modelling that stuff and learning to *think* about the questions is really the challenging part. The math itself, once you become confident in it, is so uncomplicated that many of my exams are without a calculator - you really don't need one. Finally, I just wanted to say how rewarding this year has been, and how much I'm looking forward to the next year. At the beginning of this first year when I skipped ahead and just saw what they expected us to know at the end, I couldn't even read it. Now though, I have exams next month and I fully expect I'll get around 80% in everything - it might look scary when you see it in videos or explained properly, but when you've put a few hundred hours in over your subjects you find the concepts you learn carry across modules and you build up a foundation of knowledge that just lets you take those big scary problems and make them smaller, easy ones. If you're considering physics (or maths!) you should definitely do it if you can. It's never going to be a useless degree and this is the best thing I've ever done with my life. I mean, last night I was solving a problem with photon quantum interference, using only algebra, and when I finally checked and the total probability was 1 (which it should be) it just felt amazing but I never would have believed I could learn to do that a couple of years ago.

[@lp1485le]

Thank you for writing this, appreciated. I'm where you used to be, same grade too.

[@avitimushi1541]

This is simply fabulous. Bravo Irbeth.

[@legopachycephalosaurus6825]

Thanks for this, I’m about to start my last year of Highschool and I’m thinking of Majoring in physics, doing a masters degree and maybe a PHD. I have to admit the maths, especially all of the equations used in Uni physics is a far cry from the simple integration and differentiation I learnt last year. It’s nice to know there’s someone else who had the same experience, not doing so well in maths succeeding and understanding (seemingly) complicated mathematics and theories.

[@kudakwashekucherera1889]

Thanks for sharing

[@dylanparker130]

found the "study in pairs" bit fascinating. me and a friend from high school ended up (by chance) on the same course at the same uni, so we naturally spent most of our time together in the same classes & ended up working through weekly homework problems together between classes. it really helped just to be able to say "hey what did you get for question 2? I got 3x + 7." looking back, it just makes the whole thing feel more fun and we always went to a public cafe area where they had the radio on, so it never felt tense. just two friends singing along to the radio, doing the homework at the same time. no stress really, apart from the exams

[@kirillpavlov920]

Thank you, KC ❤

[@chrisfpv7615]

"If you want it bad enough, you can have it , provided you work for it."

[@Hostile2430]

I wasn't scoring well in tests and I was thinking that I am not passionate about physics and did a mistake taking a major in Physics. This video gave me motivation and courage to study and try hard to learn the subject.

[@josetieneoro]

This is my favourite video ever on this website. No doubt.

[@jopmaco8606]

I watched this during my first year in my degree, im in 3rd year now and its fun to see how much of this i understand now

[@CassiniGalaxy]

Wanted to thank you for galvanizing my love for science again. Because of the motivation I received from this video roughly five years ago (god damn time flies) I finally got accepted to university for physics. I graduated at the bottom 10% of my class in high school with a GPA of 1.67 back in 2014 lol, and somehow, with hard work and dedication, I managed to get into UCSB this application cycle. I'm looking forward to the grueling two to three years I have left to earn that degree. I know it seems funny to say in a KZbin comment but your videos changed my life. Thanks, Crocoduck. Seriously.

[@CassiniGalaxy]

If you have any extra advice for a fellow Gaucho I'd love to have it haha

[@KingCrocoduck]

Don't underestimate the difficulty of the road ahead. Make good use of the PSR (physics study room.) Every week that you don't spend in there is a week wasted. *RESIST THE URGE TO CHEAT. CHEGG IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.*

[@BrickTavernFilms]

Ha I'm only 15 and I can't wait to get a degree in physics. Love it

[@fafarii2728]

SCIENCE FICTION that's pretty fucking funny.

[@BatMandor]

SCIENCE FICTION drunning kruger effect... just to remind you..

[@jojojorisjhjosef]

I only just turned 4 and I'm writing my next book on how humanity will never understand my single theoretical framework for the universe that combines general theory of relativity and quantum field theory which I wrote for my PhD, feeble minds mean not to my superior intellect.

[@donovaneveslage4259]

Me too and I am so excited to start

[@Mary-eo7ir]

Stop shitting on them, it's ok to be excited to learn. People need to stop acting scathing whenever a teen expresses interest in something.

[@jasonc8672]

Paul's online math notes are incredible, they essential passes ODEs for me

[@bendavis1769]

You described me EXACTLY in terms of the way I progressed in mathematics. In elementary school, I would barely pass math with a D , but in eighth grade everything clicked and I passed math with a 90, not exactly an A, but a start. Now I'm a sophomore in high school taking honors geometry and honors Algebra II and working with logarithms and solving logarithmic equations as well as well as getting A's in both maths.

[@alexitanguay]

It sounds like you are holding a gun to my head telling me not to study physics. challenge accepted

[@noordenmeh4247]

I have a greater appreciation for how smart people actually are now. Thnx :)

[@Nosikas]

this is such a phenomenal video, i'm in my freshman year of a physics degree and i'm fortunate that i've learned many of the topics you covered - this makes me so excited about the future

[@supersonic688]

THIS VIDEO IS SO HELPFUL! Thanks a lot man

[@krttd]

I wish the system in high school didn't slow the progression of my education so much. I cannot wait to be in a formal class learning particle physics and higher maths.

[@WantedMonsterHunter]

After watching this video for the first time, I decided to pursue a degree in physics. I am currently writing my Bachelor thesis in theoretical physics and do not regret the decision one bit, so thank you for motivating me with the video!

[@milkclouds4996]

will revisit this when i begin my college journey!

[@arturoordonez-hernandez1534]

Khan Academy, PatrickJMT and Paul's Online Math Notes are my favorite math resources. Whenever my textbook confused the **** out of me, these were there to save the day

[@svader9680]

I failed diffyq cuz I didn't realize that. My stupid ass was trying to learn from the textbook... smh

[@enigma9306]

The sign that said "this sign will accomplish nothing" actually accomplished what it promised... so paradoxically it accomplished something... which is what it said it wouldn't do... so it didn't accomplish what it said it would... so it accomplished nothing.... which is what it said "this sign will accomplish nothing"... aaagh!

[@augustaskunc288]

i think you need some non-baby maths to find and end to this one

[@jonathansolomon7960]

I just came here to comment: No, I don't want a degree in Physics.... thanks anyway

[@dirac269]

xD

[@Scrungge]

So, what degree do you want then?

[@jonathansolomon7960]

z8_GND_5296 Going for my Bachelors in Project Management. Then the following year I can get my Masters of Science in Project Management Professional (MSc PMP). Way easier than physics shit

[@EagleLogic]

Ewww I'll take Physics over that boring shit any day. Just fucking with you. People are different and like different things. Good luck on your masters :-)

[@jonathansolomon7960]

EagleLogic thanks man! A masters in two years works for me. Especially to be in an entrepreneur-type scenario for the internet and mobile space. Bringing new content to the web through publishers (distribution). Plus traveling?!?! :D Mad respect to scientists and physicists... it's just not me.

[@prachi579]

THANK YOU soooooooooo... much. I wanted exactly that kinda stuff & was searching from a long time, finally found it. All confusion gone. Thanks

[@wernerheisenberg7192]

I had seen this video five years ago right before my physics studies started. Came back right before my PhD starts. Thank you for this video! See you in approximately 4-5 years.

[@enigma9306]

Nuclear physics is da-bomb! Love it

[@loomblack3811]

I we what you did their

[@rishavsinha3376]

Easiest shit in physics actually

[@singularity-]

Ha. Good one.

[@entropy7888]

Guess I’ll pick that one then.

[@_hector__]

Thanks for scaring me, now do a video about engineering

[@andrew_35]

I think engineering is easier than this. Most engineers only need to know what he calls "baby maths"

[@shumailkhan7205]

Engineering is nothing compared to this

[@_hector__]

@@shumailkhan7205 No shit Poojeet

[@DBuilder1977]

Very inspiring, THANKS

[@j.l.deguzman3331]

Paul's Math Notes are just pure GOLD. Thanks, King Crocoduck!

[@adampowell43]

"One of my classmates is a fat 30 year old...." hahhaahahahahhaahhahahahahahahahha lmao That's me right now trying to get back into school for Physics.

[@JohnSmith-kq9it]

Better than going back at age 40

[@leavethebasket7435]

I just started my degree in physics at UC Santa Barbara! Good tips

[@KingCrocoduck]

My alma mater! Good choice

[@leavethebasket7435]

no way!!! when did you graduate? I'm not sure if he was your professor but Dr. Bibilashvili is my physics 20 prof right now.

[@leavethebasket7435]

any tips for a fellow physics gaucho?

[@KingCrocoduck]

Dr B is the motherfucking man. Among the best professors I ever had. I graduated this year, and I advise getting involved in research asap. The research opportunities are excellent. Talk to Philip Lubin, and learn how to use Python for programming

[@leavethebasket7435]

Will do. thanks man.

[@beeceepedia3784]

Best video ever. Thank you for posting this.

[@dramese]

Thank you very much for this video

[@guitartruong3981]

Watching this at 4am in the morning probably isn't the best idea... Me head's spinning. But I will steel my will and pursue this.

[@sce2aux464]

5:43 - Actually, they DO teach that at Bob Jones University.

[@physicsit5034]

Highly inspiring... I will begin this today & in fact now

[@nicklough]

Thank you so much for this video. Im starting my major in physics this fall as a college freshman. Im definitely very excited.

[@brotherhoodofgame]

I am very intimidated by math but this video makes me want to learn it. I know it'll be torture but satisfying if I made it to the end.

[@jmm1233]

physicists are the invention dreamers , engineers are the invention doers , and both are needed for the maths

[@fullonfriends]

engineers build what physicists imagine.

[@jmm1233]

as they say engineering is a degree away from physics , unless of cause its bio-engineer lol

[@Mike-gf1bl]

An engineer is a physics drop out. A physicist is an unemployed engineer.

[@jawnvawn]

Experimental physicists often build their own lab equipment. That or they design it to the letter and send the CAD to the master machinist's shop. I work as a grad student and some days I've used the lathe, table saw, and drill press. I solder some of our electronics too.

[@Bronoulli]

Liked for many reasons, but mostly for the shoutouts to Khan Academy, PatrickJMT, and Paul’s online math notes

[@stevenlewis7017]

Very interesting. Thank you for the information.

[@darkdevil905]

I got into Physics hella yeahhh !!!

[@luizpaulo6535]

How is it?

[@EmperorZelos]

KCD, I am not for a physics degree, I already got a math degree, owrking on a master and will go for a PhD in mathematics, but I love this clip

[@Self-kn4ez]

Great vid!

[@rollingrock5143]

... this is solid advice for any discipline.