You have to be true to yourself.Good on you for that! For me, maths is something that needs almost daily practise - something that I really enjoy. I'm about to start Level 3 of M06 (though I have unofficially started already). Finished MST224 and SXPS288. Both great modules.
@@shaneporter4401 I have the old books: SMT358 and SMT359. I am on the second chapter of SMT359 atm. I am also watching Shankar's electromagnetism playlist. I doubt SM380 and SM381 will differ that much.
I've only just found your channel as I was looking for people who study A111. I started a BSc in Cyber Security back in October 2022 and I hated every single minute of it. I chose that degree purely based on that it might get me a "good paying job". I dropped out, decided to go for Psychology which I started in February, and hated that just as much. After a lot of soul searching and thinking I came to the conclusion that I am made for the arts etc. I've always loved history, classical studies, literature and writing, so after a quick phone call I enrolled onto A111 to start this September! Very excited to follow your journey!
It was tough going, but even though I liked science at school I was still a C student whereas I got As in English and History 🤣 I gave it a good go, but I’m so much happier studying something I feel i understand completely
Working through MU123 now and am in same situation doing around 8 hours over two sessions, so around 16 hours per week. They said it would only be around 9 hours per week but is actually taking longer than my main course.
As someone now onto stage 2 modules for the masters, I had to do mst124 alone with no other module. The maths has been my biggest downfall so far. Currently in physics from classical to quantum a lot of the maths is only just clicking into place now I've seen it in context. Definately is requiring a lot of revision to keep it in my head and I am improving a lot, just not in that module timeframe. Luckily with the end grade only coming from stage 3 & 4, I've got plenty of time to improve and get it in my head but yeah, its difficult
I have massive admiration for anyone studying maths and physics with the OU, it definitely takes some determination and hard work so massive congratulations on what you’ve achieved so far. I wish I had enjoyed it more but as it was something I was only doing for fun, it definitely took the fun out of it for me 🤣
@@user-hp6ls8qy6d It was definately a huge step up from stage 1 modules and was very intensive in comparison and after passing the module its been a lot nicer to revisit at a slower pace to keep it in my head. The main reccomendation I can give is use tutorials like your life depends on it, and before the module, make sure your algebraic working is as impeccable as possible especially for combining equations since it will help a lot in understanding content across the whole module. Overall jusy try not to overthink each area and try to simplify things into Layman's terms to understand content. A lot of the later areas when looking at potential energy wells, Schrödinger equation etc are all actually quite straightforward and is similar to early module content just in a different context but is hard to realise when in high stress 😅
I think we were on the same MST124 and SM123 Cohort if you were doing it around Xmas 22. I too had the same experience with maths, the course asks for sooo much for a 30 unit module and like you said, 9 hours isn't enough!! I used to take my Ipad to bed and does some calculus practice before going to sleep, waiting for the bus, in between meetings at work to keep the practice going. Its a shame that the course put you off pursuing physics, but i think that may say more on that particular module if I'm honest. I hear that people feel the same about MST 24 a lot! Good luck in your future studies! could always study Science History!
Never trust mathematicians nor physicists when they give you "suggested time" for finishing your work... actually I have studied a course in Coursera... it says it requires like 30 hours to complete... it took me actually about 200 hours to fully understand it. This will happen again and again all the time, if I heard about you before you dropped the course, I would say: just add a zero to the right of the suggested number of hours... this rule always work.
Was MU123 available when you started. It’s fantastic, takes maths right back to basics and builds up to quadratics and trigonometry etc. Maybe worth a consideration. I start MST124 in October.
I’m just about to finish MU123, and am starting MST124 in October. As I deferred this module in January, I was able to keep the books and am now slowly working through them. It’s hard, but with a daily grind, not impossible. Good luck!
I love astronomy, too but I don't think I could do the maths at level 3. I'm doing Combined STEM with the OU and will probably pick and choose modules based on interest rather than a particular pathway. MST124 and doing MST125 now. They're great modules but they take me ages as well.
I’m sorry you withdrew but you have to study because you enjoy it. With mst124 it took me less than half the time they suggested but I think with maths is either you are quick or you are not. I would like to do finance sometime in the future :) I’m doing mst125 and sm123 this year :)
You’re absolutely right, you definitely need to enjoy it and I also think that most people either have a natural ability for maths and science or don’t, and I definitely don’t 🤣 Good luck with the rest of your studies, I’m disappointed I didn’t get so far with SM123 but all my time was taken up by MST124 🤣
@@DanUniAndBooks I suggest you do mst124 anyway now that you have the books at your own pace. The maths is useful and there are people in Facebook that will help with what you don’t understand. Calculus was my favourite. I found it so beautiful sometimes I cried
Hi Dan, massive respect for this video, not everyone has the guts the say something isn't for them. Out of interest, did you do any prior maths study before you began mst124? I'm asking as I'm someone who was notoriously terrible at maths but like you I had a fascination in physics. I spent the best part of a year using various resources to get myself up to a pre calculus level before I enrolled. I did pretty well in mst124 but if I'd gone in cold I wouldn't have stood a chance.
Hi. I didn’t do any preparation (which probably was my downfall 🤣) the last maths I did was GCSE in 2002. I found that I did eventually understand the material and I did well in the first two TMAs but it was taking me way longer than it should have to do the reading. I’ve had a few comments from people doing physics saying that once they got the maths modules out of the way the maths in the physics modules was a lot easier and straight forward so if you’re doing the physics route things should become a lot more enjoyable
@Dan Does History Hi Dan, yes prep is crucial in a subject like this, it's honesty like trying to do an English degree without knowing how to read and spell properly. Nothing to do with not being a maths person etc. You did fantastic to get through what you did and score so high! If you ever feel like trying again I have some great resources to get you up to that level of maths - you need to be at pre calculus. Good luck with your history degree!
You could always consider a Open Degree - means you can do those excellent spacey units like S283 & S284 by skip the really hard maths units. Lots of maths in S284, but it's SO much easier (partially because it's in a better context).
I did contemplate that, but decided to go back to what I enjoyed with history. Part of me would have loved to confine, but I know I would have struggled as time went on, and for some strange reason I quite like writing essays and found the report writing rather tedious 🤣
@@DanUniAndBooks I get somewhat overwhelmed by the choices and options. Currently completing Astronomy & Planetary Science degree, but keep looking at Geology and History units... There's just not enough time to learn ALL the things ;)
@@ClayAstro I couldn’t agree more. I was undecided about history, English, classical studies and even last year when i enrolled for physics I even thought about geology too, far too much choice… just means I may have to study another degree after this one 🤣
I thought about doing those but it's 10 TMAs in total and I think 2 exams. That's doing 60 credits at a time, of course. MST124/5 have been fun but quite difficult in places and very time consuming.
To withdraw you need to send a request to student support to defer from a module (this is the case whether you want to pick the same module up another time or just want to withdraw completely). There will be fee liabilities depending on when you started, however, if you’re funded through student loan then it just increases the loan amount slightly
You have to be true to yourself.Good on you for that! For me, maths is something that needs almost daily practise - something that I really enjoy. I'm about to start Level 3 of M06 (though I have unofficially started already). Finished MST224 and SXPS288. Both great modules.
Just wondering, how have you started early? I always love to get a head start when possible XD
@@shaneporter4401 I have the old books: SMT358 and SMT359. I am on the second chapter of SMT359 atm. I am also watching Shankar's electromagnetism playlist. I doubt SM380 and SM381 will differ that much.
How are you getting on. I am on stage 3 as well
I've only just found your channel as I was looking for people who study A111. I started a BSc in Cyber Security back in October 2022 and I hated every single minute of it. I chose that degree purely based on that it might get me a "good paying job". I dropped out, decided to go for Psychology which I started in February, and hated that just as much. After a lot of soul searching and thinking I came to the conclusion that I am made for the arts etc. I've always loved history, classical studies, literature and writing, so after a quick phone call I enrolled onto A111 to start this September! Very excited to follow your journey!
I’m sorry you dropped the physics. Good luck with your new course. 👍🏻
Thank you 😊
Physics was one of my favorites in university but the mathematics were a challenge for me, so I understand perfectly what you mean
It was tough going, but even though I liked science at school I was still a C student whereas I got As in English and History 🤣 I gave it a good go, but I’m so much happier studying something I feel i understand completely
You are Great! Follow your Heart!
Working through MU123 now and am in same situation doing around 8 hours over two sessions, so around 16 hours per week. They said it would only be around 9 hours per week but is actually taking longer than my main course.
As someone now onto stage 2 modules for the masters, I had to do mst124 alone with no other module. The maths has been my biggest downfall so far. Currently in physics from classical to quantum a lot of the maths is only just clicking into place now I've seen it in context. Definately is requiring a lot of revision to keep it in my head and I am improving a lot, just not in that module timeframe. Luckily with the end grade only coming from stage 3 & 4, I've got plenty of time to improve and get it in my head but yeah, its difficult
I have massive admiration for anyone studying maths and physics with the OU, it definitely takes some determination and hard work so massive congratulations on what you’ve achieved so far. I wish I had enjoyed it more but as it was something I was only doing for fun, it definitely took the fun out of it for me 🤣
What do you think of Physics: From Classical to Quantum? I'm just finishing MST125 and got Level 2 in October. Thanks.
@@user-hp6ls8qy6d It was definately a huge step up from stage 1 modules and was very intensive in comparison and after passing the module its been a lot nicer to revisit at a slower pace to keep it in my head. The main reccomendation I can give is use tutorials like your life depends on it, and before the module, make sure your algebraic working is as impeccable as possible especially for combining equations since it will help a lot in understanding content across the whole module. Overall jusy try not to overthink each area and try to simplify things into Layman's terms to understand content. A lot of the later areas when looking at potential energy wells, Schrödinger equation etc are all actually quite straightforward and is similar to early module content just in a different context but is hard to realise when in high stress 😅
Hi. You got any group you are in or would you mind talking to me about your experience so far with the program?
I think we were on the same MST124 and SM123 Cohort if you were doing it around Xmas 22. I too had the same experience with maths, the course asks for sooo much for a 30 unit module and like you said, 9 hours isn't enough!! I used to take my Ipad to bed and does some calculus practice before going to sleep, waiting for the bus, in between meetings at work to keep the practice going. Its a shame that the course put you off pursuing physics, but i think that may say more on that particular module if I'm honest. I hear that people feel the same about MST 24 a lot!
Good luck in your future studies! could always study Science History!
MST124 is by far the hardest unit I've done. Nearly quit too, but managed to drag through.
Never trust mathematicians nor physicists when they give you "suggested time" for finishing your work... actually I have studied a course in Coursera... it says it requires like 30 hours to complete... it took me actually about 200 hours to fully understand it.
This will happen again and again all the time, if I heard about you before you dropped the course, I would say: just add a zero to the right of the suggested number of hours... this rule always work.
i just registered for my first 2 modules in maths and stats bsc
Was MU123 available when you started. It’s fantastic, takes maths right back to basics and builds up to quadratics and trigonometry etc. Maybe worth a consideration. I start MST124 in October.
I’m just about to finish MU123, and am starting MST124 in October. As I deferred this module in January, I was able to keep the books and am now slowly working through them. It’s hard, but with a daily grind, not impossible. Good luck!
I love astronomy, too but I don't think I could do the maths at level 3. I'm doing Combined STEM with the OU and will probably pick and choose modules based on interest rather than a particular pathway. MST124 and doing MST125 now. They're great modules but they take me ages as well.
I’m sorry you withdrew but you have to study because you enjoy it. With mst124 it took me less than half the time they suggested but I think with maths is either you are quick or you are not. I would like to do finance sometime in the future :) I’m doing mst125 and sm123 this year :)
You’re absolutely right, you definitely need to enjoy it and I also think that most people either have a natural ability for maths and science or don’t, and I definitely don’t 🤣 Good luck with the rest of your studies, I’m disappointed I didn’t get so far with SM123 but all my time was taken up by MST124 🤣
@@DanUniAndBooks I think we can all LEARN to do math but only some can UNDERSTAND the maths
@@DanUniAndBooks I suggest you do mst124 anyway now that you have the books at your own pace. The maths is useful and there are people in Facebook that will help with what you don’t understand. Calculus was my favourite. I found it so beautiful sometimes I cried
@@freya7084 very true, when I get some free time I may as well go through them at my own pace, especially as I was half way through book 2 🤣
Wow! Half the time? I have MST124 next and am slightly dreading it as plenty of people say it’s the hardest module they’ve done. Mucho respect ✊
Hi Dan, massive respect for this video, not everyone has the guts the say something isn't for them. Out of interest, did you do any prior maths study before you began mst124? I'm asking as I'm someone who was notoriously terrible at maths but like you I had a fascination in physics. I spent the best part of a year using various resources to get myself up to a pre calculus level before I enrolled. I did pretty well in mst124 but if I'd gone in cold I wouldn't have stood a chance.
Hi. I didn’t do any preparation (which probably was my downfall 🤣) the last maths I did was GCSE in 2002. I found that I did eventually understand the material and I did well in the first two TMAs but it was taking me way longer than it should have to do the reading. I’ve had a few comments from people doing physics saying that once they got the maths modules out of the way the maths in the physics modules was a lot easier and straight forward so if you’re doing the physics route things should become a lot more enjoyable
@Dan Does History Hi Dan, yes prep is crucial in a subject like this, it's honesty like trying to do an English degree without knowing how to read and spell properly. Nothing to do with not being a maths person etc. You did fantastic to get through what you did and score so high! If you ever feel like trying again I have some great resources to get you up to that level of maths - you need to be at pre calculus. Good luck with your history degree!
Ideally you need A Level Maths before embarking on a STEM degree. I went back to college for a year first and found MST124 quite easy as a result.
You could always consider a Open Degree - means you can do those excellent spacey units like S283 & S284 by skip the really hard maths units. Lots of maths in S284, but it's SO much easier (partially because it's in a better context).
I did contemplate that, but decided to go back to what I enjoyed with history. Part of me would have loved to confine, but I know I would have struggled as time went on, and for some strange reason I quite like writing essays and found the report writing rather tedious 🤣
@@DanUniAndBooks I get somewhat overwhelmed by the choices and options. Currently completing Astronomy & Planetary Science degree, but keep looking at Geology and History units... There's just not enough time to learn ALL the things ;)
@@ClayAstro I couldn’t agree more. I was undecided about history, English, classical studies and even last year when i enrolled for physics I even thought about geology too, far too much choice… just means I may have to study another degree after this one 🤣
I thought about doing those but it's 10 TMAs in total and I think 2 exams. That's doing 60 credits at a time, of course. MST124/5 have been fun but quite difficult in places and very time consuming.
How did you withdraw? I'm doing a statistics module which I am looking to change to something else. Do you know how I would go about this?
To withdraw you need to send a request to student support to defer from a module (this is the case whether you want to pick the same module up another time or just want to withdraw completely). There will be fee liabilities depending on when you started, however, if you’re funded through student loan then it just increases the loan amount slightly
How old are you? STEM is not easy after 35. I'm doing an honours degree in electronics engineering and its not as easy as it once was
Im your first view!