MIT Course Notes

My ATS big sibling Wei once wrote on his list of “rules” to live by:

When consciously learning, learn to the point where the subject matter can be explained to others lucidly.

I agree that this is a very good method for checking personal comprehension of a topic. And since I don’t really have anyone to explain things to (everyone’s busy studying their own things; no one wants to learn more physics than is necessary, haha)… what better way to check if I can actually explain something than to explain to my science-savvy readers? ;)

I’ve decided that I will post various summaries of what I have learned in each of my classes. Not only will it be a very “insider” look at MIT classes, but it will help both me as I rehash what I’ve learned while hopefully teaching my curious peers something new and interesting. Use my notes for homework help, ask me questions, point out my mistakes.. hopefully this will be a learning experience for both parties! Please note, however, that I will not put up any solutions to p-set problems; it is a violation of school code to use any materials on the Internet, and I’d rather not be responsible for putting it out there to be exploited. Other than that, use the archives below to jump directly to a topic you wish to view!

5.111 - Principles of Chemical Science
year taken: freshman fall 2008

8.012 - Physics I [Mechanics for Masochists]
year taken: freshman fall 2008

  • Chapter 1: Vectors and Kinematics
  • Chapter 2: Newton’s Laws
  • Chapter 3: Momentum
  • Chapter 4: Work and Energy
  • Chapter 5: Mathematical Aspects of Force/Energy
  • Chapter 6: Rotational Kinematics
  • Chapter 7: Gyroscopic Motion
  • Chapter 8: Noninertial Systems & Fictitious Forces
  • Chapter 9: Central Force Motion

18.01 - Calculus I [single variable]
year taken: freshman fall 2008

  • none currently

Classes with no course notes
… but I’m still willing to help with =)

  • 21M.030 - Introduction to World Music [freshman fall 2008]