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Self study Physics for LC

  • 08-04-2019 8:14pm
    #1
    Mrsmum
    Registered Users Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭


    Hi
    Looking for opinions on feasibility of self studying Physics for Leaving Cert. My son is interested in college careers with Maths and Physics but his school isn't offering Physics as an option and he doesn't want to move schools. He's bright but not a genius or anything. Could he do it on his own at home ??


Comments

  • #2
    RoamingDoc
    Registered Users Posts: 173 ✭✭RoamingDoc


    Physics has a laboratory component that students need to complete.

    The syllabus states that records of the experiments must be retained for the duration of the course.

    Is there a local school that you could liaise with?


  • #3
    RoamingDoc
    Registered Users Posts: 173 ✭✭RoamingDoc


    Another though:

    A possible compromise would be to take applied maths and sit that.

    If he studied physics at home just to keep along with the LC, he'd have a nice understanding without necessarily having to take the exam.


    Science at third level is taught from the beginning, so while it might be a lot of learning at the start, it wouldn't rule him out of doing physics and maths at college.


  • #4
    Mrsmum
    Registered Users Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭Mrsmum


    That would be an issue alright. There is a few of them in the same boat. The school might let them use the lab maybe, maybe not. Outside of that I'm just wondering is it a subject that could be learned out of a book or would you definitely need a teacher explaining the various concepts.


  • #5
    Mrsmum
    Registered Users Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭Mrsmum


    RoamingDoc wrote: »
    Another though:

    A possible compromise would be to take applied maths and sit that.

    If he studied physics at home just to keep along with the LC, he'd have a nice understanding without necessarily having to take the exam.


    Science at third level is taught from the beginning, so while it might be a lot of learning at the start, it wouldn't rule him out of doing physics and maths at college.

    Thanks for that. More to consider.


  • #6
    RoamingDoc
    Registered Users Posts: 173 ✭✭RoamingDoc


    Mrsmum wrote: »
    Outside of that I'm just wondering is it a subject that could be learned out of a book or would you definitely need a teacher explaining the various concepts.

    That's a very good question. To be honest, while I'd hesitate to have one of mine take a LC subject without a teacher for backup, it is very possible to pick these things up with online videos, and asking questions on trusted places.

    Use of lab facilities in other schools is quite common but not always a viable option, especially in more rural areas where the number of schools is smaller.


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  • #7
    Mrsmum
    Registered Users Posts: 1,860 ✭✭✭Mrsmum


    RoamingDoc wrote: »
    That's a very good question. To be honest, while I'd hesitate to have one of mine take a LC subject without a teacher for backup, it is very possible to pick these things up with online videos, and asking questions on trusted places.

    Use of lab facilities in other schools is quite common but not always a viable option, especially in more rural areas where the number of schools is smaller.

    Yeah, I'm not loving the idea of doing it without a teacher myself but will research it as much as possible before final decisions. Good point about online videos. Thanks.


  • #8
    mikhail
    Registered Users Posts: 3,863 ✭✭✭mikhail


    If he's moderately bright and (more importantly) motivated, then it may be possible. There are other supports possible such as private grinds and revision courses. Maybe borrow a copy of the LC textbook and have him look at a chapter or two, see how he feels about it. If he's doing it, you should make sure someone who knows what they're doing helps him structure his time studying it. Make a plan for what to cover and when.


  • #9
    p1akuw47h5r3it
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭p1akuw47h5r3it


    He'd probably be better off doing Applied Maths as there is no experimental element, and study it using youtube videos and khan academy.


  • #10
    p1akuw47h5r3it
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭p1akuw47h5r3it


    Hi what did he choose to do in the end?

    If he's self-studying tell him to check out physicsforums.com is a great little website, and he can get homework help too.


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