A QUICK GUIDE TO STUDYING PHYSICS

Expectations
Physics is a problem solving discipline that requires a lot of practice.
You need to understand the major principles and concepts and apply them.
Lectures
Browse through the lecture notes prior to each lecture to get some idea about the topic/sub-topic to
be covered.
Pay careful attention during lectures and jot any additional points made by the lecturer.
Review the lecture notes using the assessment objectives as a guide.
Clarify any doubts with your tutor.
You may also refer to any reference books to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
Tutorials
Try to solve the tutorial questions to be discussed before each tutorial.
Be alert and participate actively in class.
Work in groups as you learn more by discussing with others.
Ask questions in class when you are in doubt.
Problem solving
Read the question carefully.
Draw a suitable diagram, if required, and indicate the relevant quantities (and values) on the diagram.
For qualitative questions, recall the relevant principles or concepts, analyse the problem and deduce
some useful ideas. Write you answer in a logical and coherent manner.
For quantitative questions, recall and write down the relevant equation. Show the substitution of data
and show all steps in calculations clearly. Make sure that the answers have the correct units (if any),
correct number of significant figures and that they make sense.
Preparing for exam (Revise what you do not know, not what you know)
Know the syllabus and the format of the assessment well.
Plan a revision timetable and fix a suitable time and place of study.
Begin with topical revision. Read the lecture notes of each topic thoroughly and jot down key points.
Write out definitions/formulae/laws. Sketch diagrams, concept maps, graphs. Describe experiments
in point form.
Re-do the tutorial questions especially those which you could not solve correctly the first time.
After revising, practise at least 2 past-year A-level papers, preferably under exam conditions. Practice
further with past TJC papers and some other JC papers.
Work consistently and diligently and stick to your revision timetable.
During the exam (Don't panic. Learn to enjoy doing the papers)
Know the exact date, time and venue of the papers and arrive in good time.
Read the instructions on the cover page carefully.
Manage your time well. The marks allocated to each question or part question is a good indicator of
the time you need to spend on that question.
For MCQs, never leave any question unattempted. For structured questions, write clearly and neatly
in the spaces provided. Write concisely and to the point without exceeding the given space.
Final words
Have a positive attitude towards studies.

Balance work and play.

Start preparation early.