r/UVA • u/Kingmelo62 • 5d ago

Academics What physics textbooks are used at uva?

Hello all,

I’m not a student yet, but plan on transferring by the fall. I want to study physics at uva and have yet to take physics I at cc, I’m at nova. I would like to self study physics I, so that when I arrive at uva, I will be seeing the material twice. I know that it will likely vary by professor, but what textbooks have been used by professors in your physics classes? Specifically Physics I and II. If anyone also has workbook recommendations that would be great too. Thank you 🙏🏾

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u/Human-Register1867 4d ago

The intro physics classes use Giancoli Physics for Scientists and Engineers

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u/Human-Register1867 3d ago

Also, if you haven’t already found it, be sure to check out the transfer advising page:

https://www.phys.virginia.edu/Education/transferring.asp

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u/Electronic-Mud7799 2d ago

You should take physics at pvcc if you want to major in it. I know someone who took physics 1 at nova and physics 2 at pvcc and went from an A to an F, by which I mean, it’s is significantly more difficult at pvcc and will probably prepare you better for the major and transferring into a more rigorous school with an already difficult major

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u/Kingmelo62 2d ago

That’s definitely worth consideration, thanks. From my experience thus far, however I have seen course difficulty vary based on the professor teaching the course at nvcc. Before the add/drop week ends, I take a deep look at the course syllabus and if it’s too harsh with grading (as in, super reliant on exam grades) then I’ll drop the professor and enroll in another prof class… and repeat that process until I’ve found a very lenient prof, it’s worked well for me. Ofc, at uva i prob wouldn’t have that option, but it works at nvcc especially when trying to maximize my gpa without sacrificing course rigor.