Qualifying exams info

[chewy]

I plan on taking the Qual's in August at my school (1st shot out of 4). There are 6 topics in ours. Though some of the topics I haven't had a course in (mainly optics). I was wondering what the general/standard book was for undergrad optics. I tried looking at the school to see what they use but could not find it. I was thinking that the Qual's (although based on undergrad) are based on (or at least biased) that particular schools undergrad. So it would be best to look at the text books they used for the standard classes.

From undergrad I have this

E&M - Griffiths 3rd ed.
Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths 2nd ed.
Classical Dynamics/Mechanics - Taylor 1st ed.
Thermal Physics - Kittel 2nd ed.
Modern Physics - don't have book (sold undergrad one, not very good)
Optics - no book, never had course (I have had a little in intro, like snells law but thats it).

I know to also study old exams. Ours works 3 sessions (E&M with Optics) (Classical Dynamics with Thermal Physics) (Modern with Quantum). I plan on attempting all three and maybe Im smarter then I think I am . Like I said earlier, I have 4 shots at each of the three sessions. any other tips. I'm more worried about this then any class I'm taking, or research or TAing I would be doing.

[blackcat007]

I plan on taking the Qual's in August at my school (1st shot out of 4). There are 6 topics in ours. Though some of the topics I haven't had a course in (mainly optics). I was wondering what the general/standard book was for undergrad optics. I tried looking at the school to see what they use but could not find it. I was thinking that the Qual's (although based on undergrad) are based on (or at least biased) that particular schools undergrad. So it would be best to look at the text books they used for the standard classes.

From undergrad I have this

E&M - Griffiths 3rd ed.
Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths 2nd ed.
Classical Dynamics/Mechanics - Taylor 1st ed.
Thermal Physics - Kittel 2nd ed.
Modern Physics - don't have book (sold undergrad one, not very good)
Optics - no book, never had course (I have had a little in intro, like snells law but thats it).

I know to also study old exams. Ours works 3 sessions (E&M with Optics) (Classical Dynamics with Thermal Physics) (Modern with Quantum). I plan on attempting all three and maybe Im smarter then I think I am . Like I said earlier, I have 4 shots at each of the three sessions. any other tips. I'm more worried about this then any class I'm taking, or research or TAing I would be doing.

If this is of any help, my grad school mentioned 1.Hecht 2.Klein and Furtak for optics.

Good to know someone who is also preparing like me for quals. I have a different route though, since I am not a physics major. I plan to focus majorly on Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics and EM Theory and if time permits Stat Mech since their preparation will also aid me in strengthening the basics for the 1st sem grad core classes. By the way which school will you attend?

[arieszen]

I was told by my grad school that the quals are to be taken 1 year after classes begin. I didn't even know we were allowed 4 attempts.

[grae313]

I was told by my grad school that the quals are to be taken 1 year after classes begin. I didn't even know we were allowed 4 attempts.

Every school has their own policy so every school is a bit different.

[HappyQuark]

I was told by my grad school that the quals are to be taken 1 year after classes begin. I didn't even know we were allowed 4 attempts.

Every school does things differently, but it is my understanding that the majority of schools give everyone 2 official attempts. If you fail both, you are put on a sort of academic watch/probation and will generally be given a third (and sometimes final) attempt. I haven't heard of a school stating openly that you are allowed 4 attempts, but I suppose it is possible.