The Written Qualifier Exam

The purpose of the written examination is to evaluate the student's preparation in physics for independent research. It will consist of 4 distinct papers in the core topic areas - Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermal Physics and Quantum Mechanics. To pass the written part of the qualifier a student must pass all 4 papers, but not necessarily at the same sitting. Students are only required to take those papers they have not yet passed. Each of the four papers will include one basic question (35 points) at the freshman/sophomore level and one intermediate question (65 points) at the junior/senior undergraduate level.

More details about the written qualifier exam can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Sample exams,