Drunk and doing statistical mechanics problems

[KrazyHorse]

No idea. Never been in real world. If masters is guaranteed-duration that is good. PhDs are not, and they always take longer than you think.



The question to ask yourself is if there are a lot of jobs you would like which requere MSc. If yes, then it may be worth it. If not, **** it.

[Asher]

**** it

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
I think I ended up with C+ in undergrad course. Was very bad about doing homework and ****. We usually had a 100% final option. That was one of the classed where the 100% final didn't work out so well for me.

I hate homework. My TA's always want me to write about 3-5x as long proofs

[Asher]

TA's are more masochistic. The profs just get upset looking at papers, the TA's want revenge. Fact.

[Asher]

PS: Have you gone to a Pens game yet?

[Jon Miller]

Originally posted by Asher
Do you consider it worthwhile to do a masters in a science (or quasi science like CS), or is it better to live in the real world?

If you can do a short one (<2 years as a MSc or <5 as a PhD).

JM

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Asher
PS: Have you gone to a Pens game yet?

No.

Then again, I've never been to a Steelers or a Pirates game either.

[Asher]

Yeah, no, don't bother with the Steelers or Pirates

Go see the Pens. It'll change your life.

[SpencerH]

I was wondering what "statistical mechanics" was, so I opened up the PDF. It looks like basic thermodynamics and newtonian-type stuff ie memorize a few formulae then rearrange to get the answer (not that I could do it now).

[TCO]

Re: Drunk and doing statistical mechanics problems

Originally posted by KrazyHorse

http://www.pha.jhu.edu/courses/171_312/StatMechFinalFall07.pdf

(one of three old finals for which I promised to hand solutions out)

This course is so much ****ing easier than my undergrad stat mech course.

I have a very hard time following long chains of inference when drunk. Hard time when sober.

[Krill]

****s sake KH, I can do some of those questions and I'm only a ****ty chemist. 1, 2, 3 a+b aren't that bad...

[TCO]

Re: Drunk and doing statistical mechanics problems

Originally posted by KrazyHorse

http://www.pha.jhu.edu/courses/171_312/StatMechFinalFall07.pdf

(one of three old finals for which I promised to hand solutions out)

This course is so much ****ing easier than my undergrad stat mech course.

Looks like a lot of normal thermodynamics. Think that if these kids knew that stuff, they have a good overview and insight into thermo. Wish I had learned it once like that.

[TCO]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
Dude, you're preaching to the choir.

I never once went to a conference section or went to a TA's or prof's office hours in undergrad. These kids are adults. Learn from the lectures or don't learn at all.

I radically disagree. Proper pedagogy for anything helps. Whether it is on the wrestling mat or grade school or the mysteries of the universe. graduated drills and homework problems are the most effective way to learn. For students that are having problems grapsoing concepts showing it in differnet manners is helpful. This is most efficient since the goal is training and if students fail to learn, huge time has been wasted.

[TCO]

Originally posted by Asher
It helps to do the basics when you can succeed at the advanced.

and visa versa

[TCO]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
I think I ended up with C+ in undergrad course. Was very bad about doing homework and ****. We usually had a 100% final option. That was one of the classed where the 100% final didn't work out so well for me.

Homework is the most effective way to learn. I really liked how calculus books have

* ample problems
* have all the solutions provided in back
* have a division of problems into three types
1. simple plug and chug to get familiarity
2. more difficult ones, requiring some manipulations
3. even more difficult ones, requiring some derivation or such.

I don't think that more difficult subjects shiould only have type 3 problems or rely more on reading/lecture. If anything given the more taxing ideas, they need the drills even more.