How to get basic civil engineering formulas?

I'm a materials science & engineering major, and physics depresses me. It's hard and I suck at it. Advice?

• I barely passed calculus based physics 1, and i'm taking calculus based physics 2 this semester, but I will probably end up getting a D or E for the class =( It's just so confusing to me, I have no idea why certain formulas are used, and the right hand rule sucks. I just don't get it! My major (materials science engineering) requires that I go up to calculus based physics 3, which I have no idea how I'll be able to make it through. I dread every-time I have physics class, and sometimes I feel like giving up, but I really want to graduate with an engineering degree. I just feel like if I can't make it through physics i'll have to switch my major =( I know engineering uses a lot of physics and math. I got through calculus I with an A, got through calculus II with a B, but I'm failing calculus III and i'll have to retake it. I feel like each semester i'm bombarded with 5 difficult classes, and I feel like there's just not enough time to do everything! Included below is a link to my major map, or the classes I am required to take to graduate. Since I suck at physics so much, is there maybe perhaps another engineering major I could or should pursue? I just feel like physics is getting to me way too much for my own emotional well being. I wish I could get more insight from my academic advisor, but she sucks! I also have no one really who is an engineer to guide me or give me advice. I've never felt so low in my life.... https://webapp4.asu.edu/programs/t5/roadmaps/ASU00/ESMSEBSE/2012

• Answer:

  Note: I agree with John. I'm in the same boat as you're in, maybe even worse. First of all, I'm a 2nd year (not sophomore) majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UNLV. You're certainly at a better university than me, but I pay cheaper tuition. lol Anyways, I took Calculus I once and received an A. I took Calculus II twice, first time F second time A-. I took Calculus III last semester, received D. I'm retaking it right now, most likely I'll get an A. I took Engineering Physics I (Mechanics) twice, first time I dropped and second time I received a C. My major doesn't require Physics II (Electromagnetism). So right now I'm taking Physics III (Thermo, Optics and Modern). So far I'm having a B in that class. As of now my GPA is 2.78. I wish it'd be 3.0 so I can get an internship this summer, but I guess I'll have to wait 'til next year when my GPA is higher. I want to point out that there are some people with high GPA, but they're not that smart. I know some people with 3.5+. On the physics exams, they sit next to their friends and work together. The professor didn't really pay attention, so they got A. When I study with them, they aren't really good at problem solving. This semester my statics professor allows 4 people to work in group on homework. Many of my friends are also in most of my classes. So I always with friends. Make sure you guys don't screw around when studying. I know a guy who always talks about Lamborshini when studying, so I don't like to study with him. After studying with friends at the library, go home to study by yourself, make sure that you understand the concept instead of memorizing. Last semester I studied up to midnight at the library by myself most of the time, because I didn't know how to study effectively. So I learn to study effectively. This semester I study effective and didn't study much at all, and I'm doing really well. As for your classes, it's okay to audit/drop the classes and retake them next semester. You don't have to rush through college. My EE professor once said, "If you rush through things, you leave yourself with lots of free time to do noting and your life become boring." Anyways, it's better to take 12 credits/semester and get 3.5 than to take 15 and get 3.0. You're better at math than 95% of people on campus, so apply to be a math tutor or any campus job for about 20 hours per week. That way you can study on your down time. Make sure you have time to do fun stuff: gym, going out, etc. If you only study, what's the point of living? Personally, I wanted to be a mechanical engineer since I was young. I love building stuff. As for you, are you really interested in material science, or you're just in it for the ¥. Keep in mind that any engineering job will get you a good pay check. So do something that you really like. Studying engineering is like anything in life. You have to hold on to it. It will be painful. I completely understand what you're going through. You're doing something that's much more difficult than most people on campus. Please stick with engineering, if not material science. It will pay off. Imagine you're future everyday. If you're not an engineer, what would you be doing? Personally, I'd be a bum. These qualities are what I believe a great engineer should have, listing by the order of importance: 1) Imagination/creativity/enthusiasm 2) Math/physics/problem solving 3) Leadership 4) People/business/selling skills The first, and most important, qualities are what you're already born with. It's who you are that makes you want to be an engineer. The second qualities are what you're studying in college right now. The third and fourth qualities are what you'll learn in clubs, jobs, internships and meeting new people. I don't know what else to say. Just please keep up your enthusiasm and never give up. Edit: Also keep in mind that the system is design for students to fail. Edit: Sometimes it isn't just about academics which will give you a great career. Consider this scenario. Two graduates applied for a job. One student graduated with a 3.5 GPA, has a few internships and activities. Another graduated with a 2.0, has a few internships, activities and hold 3 patents. Which graduate would impress the employer more?