Advising and Resources

It is strongly recommended that all Physics majors meet with their designated faculty advisors once a semester before priority registration opens. You can find your advisor in Navigate or DegreeWorks. New students or those interested in switching majors should contact the department chairperson for more information. Meeting with your physics faculty advisor regularly will help ensure you are taking appropriate courses and are on schedule to graduate. Your advisor can also provide valuable career advice. We are here to help you!

Students from other majors or those with general inquires should reach out to the department chairperson.

Tutoring

  1. Supplemental Instruction

    For PHYS 191/192/193/194/180/280, we offer Supplemental Instruction (SI) led by juniors/seniors who have done well in Physics.

    Supplemental Instruction

  2. Additional Tutoring in Physics

    Make an appointment with the College's Academic Success Center

  3. Instructor Office Hours

    Office hours should be posted on your syllabus, and they may be held online. Email your instructor to set up an alternative appointment if needed.

  4. General Tips for Doing Well in Physics

    • Physics is hard. It takes a lot of time. You need to read the textbook weekly. Make sure you understand every step when you read it (it’s not like reading a novel). Homework assignments take several hours to complete. You should expect to spend two hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class or lab. No pain, no gain.
    • Work on homework in groups with your classmates. Try to learn from other students in your course. But make sure you understand how to complete the problem on your own. Students who rely on online “resources” to “help” them complete the homework usually perform horribly on exams and quizzes.
    • Learning physics is like learning a sport, a musical instrument, or a second language. You need to practice, practice, practice. To get better at solving physics problems, try doing extra ones with a range of difficulty.
    • Work out your homework problems neatly on paper. Show every equation, step, and line of reasoning. Keep track of your units. Start by drawing a diagram. Then construct the relevant equations and solve them symbolically before you plug in numbers. Once you obtain an answer, ask yourself if it makes sense and if it has the proper units.

Mathematics and other preparation for physics courses

Non-majors are expected to have a solid understanding of algebra and trigonometry before taking PHYS 193/194. Non-majors taking PHYS 191/192 should have completed pre-calculus and be co-enrolled in calculus. Physics majors are placed into PHYS 191 based on their degree plan and prior coursework in math or physics. Most new physics majors take precalculus and are placed into the PHYS 191/192 sequence in their second year of study. Those entering the program in the fall semester with a calculus placement can begin PHYS 191. Completion of PHYS 191 with a C- or higher is required before taking PHYS 192 (this applies to all students). All new students are encouraged to take PHYS 180 and either PHYS 198 or PHYS 190 in their first year.

Physics courses are math intensive. If you are getting C’s and D’s in beginning math courses (precalculus, calculus), physics might not be the right major for you.

If you are interested in pursuing a physics major, it is very important that you get through your initial math courses as quickly as possible, especially Precalculus (MATH 111), and two semesters of Calculus. You can take either Calculus 1 (MATH 122) or Applied Calculus A (AMAT 120) for your first semester of calculus, and either Calculus 2 (MATH 221) or AMAT 220 (Applied Calculus B) for your second semester of calculus.

New students in the physics major may need a placement test to determine their appropriate initial math and chemistry course.

You are your most effective teacher. Don’t expect to only learn physics from your professors. Here are other things you should be doing to prepare yourself for the physics major:

  • Learn what physics is, the subject’s history, and the different sub-disciplines (astrophysics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, biophysics, etc).
  • Come to our department seminars and events.
  • Read books/articles/websites about physics that you find enjoyable. Some examples might include Physics Today, Physics World, or Prof. Favata’s list of popular books.
  • Join the Physics Club! Be part of a community and explore your love of physics with others who are passionate about the subject.
  • Learn about physics careers and what you do with a physics degree. See the Physics Careers Toolbox for more information.
  • Do problems on your own. Start with any University Physics textbook (often titled Physics for Scientists and Engineers) and work as many of the end-of-chapter problems as you can. Check your progress against the solutions to the odd-numbered problems in the back of most texts. Do the same with math textbooks.
  • Don’t just study physics—do physics! Learn about research or internship opportunities at Montclair State or elsewhere. Working on real research problems will be one of the most memorable parts of your college experience. It also provides essential preparation for graduate school and good resume experience when applying for jobs. Your faculty advisor and Physics Club members can help you learn about these opportunities.
  • If you need help, ask! Your advisor and the entire physics faculty are here to help you succeed!