The Qualifying Exam (Quals) is taken by all graduate students without exception before they begin research for the PhD and after no more than one term of residence. The exam consists of a written exam given over three days followed by an oral interview with a committee of three faculty members. The exam is usually given in January, before the start of classes. The exam is intended to test the student's knowledge of undergraduate physics and is usually taken during the student's first year. The exam also serves as a diagnostic tool to identify weaknesses in a student's physics preparation.
EXAM LEVEL:
The Quals is a test of undergraduate level physics. It covers: Classical Physics (Mechanics, E&M), Modern Physics (formal Quantum Mechanics, applied Quantum Mechanics, and Relativity), and General Physics (Thermodynamics, Optics, HEP, Nuclear, Astro, Atomic, Condensed Matter).
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WRITTEN EXAM:
Please revisit this website during the Fall 2007 semester at which time the 2008 Quals exam schedule will be posted.
Copies of past Qualifying Exams are available in the Physics Office, 704 Pupin. Copies of last year's exam are also available by clicking on the links on the left.
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