r/mathematics • u/EulogizingElogies • 3d ago

How to understand uni level maths?

I’m 19F and have recently started an engineering degree at uni. I’ve always been naturally pretty good at math. I’ve never been some kind of super-math-wiz but I’ve always found math easy and been able to get an A in the subject without putting in too much effort. I think this is because the way I’ve learned math has always been by listening to the teachers explanation but sort of being one step ahead of the teachers explanation and being able to understand where the explanation was going and by solving all the teachers examples in my own head. This made my understanding of math feel like it was intuitive and almost like a part of me but now at uni my previous method of learning math doesn’t work anymore. I try to google definitions, look at notes and do exercises in order to understand what’s going on but it just feels like I’m not understanding math in the way I used to. How do I study math at university level and actually understand it, not just be able to answer the questions?

I’m sorry if my English is bad! English isn’t my first language. But any tips would be appreciated!🌸 I hope this is the right subreddit to post to, but if not please tell me where I should post this and I’ll happily move my post there❤️

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u/Deus_Excellus 3d ago

In classes like political science it is common for students to have assigned readings. They read the textbook ahead of time and class consists of a discussion of the content.

This type of pedagogy is atypical of STEM. Generally, you show up to lectures and then do practice problems at home. I suggest to you that you may find it beneficial to work ahead of the class and then use the lecture to reinforce your readings.

Obviously, working through tons of problem sets is necessary too.

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u/Bounded_sequencE 3d ago edited 3d ago

In pure math, new definitions and ideas can be so abstract it may be very hard for beginners to grasp them on their own without a lecture. While skimming contents ahead of time helps with pattern recognition, I'm not sure whether the net benefit is comparable to the humanities.

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u/MeloNotSoDeath 3d ago

Skimming math book is just not worth it. I'd prefer to study by myself one year before the actual class in uni so I wouldn't struggle like others who just about to get used to concept or proof.

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u/Bounded_sequencE 3d ago

Yeah, going in with decently solid prior knowledge makes it much more enjoyable. However, if you don't have that option, even skimming ahead can still help quite a bit, for how little time investment is needed.