Book Advice for Physics Grad Student Preparation

[iamthegelo]

Hi,

I am a Mechanical Engineering student about to take my upper division courses. I do, however, want to go to grad school for physics. I would like for people here to see if the books I have are good enough to self study.

-Physics by Alonso & Finn (I am already done with Intro Phys. but I would still like to go through this book).
-Math Methods by Boas
-Classical Mech. by Taylor
-E&M by Griffiths
-Stat. Mech & Thermo by Stowe
-QM by Shankar.

Thanks!

 

[maverick_starstrider]

Those are the standard texts for a physics undergrad although if you've never done QM you might want to start with Griffith's (his QM book). However, if you can get through all those books you'll be fine. Although, that does seem an awfully big undertaking.

 

[n!kofeyn]

I agree with maverick_starstrider's recommendation of Griffiths' quantum mechanics book. I would also suggest (if you haven't already) trying to fit in an electrodynamics and quantum mechanics course before you graduate, although I know engineering programs can be rather dense near the end.

 

[Vanadium 50]

If you want to go to grad school in physics, you should major in physics.

 

[TMFKAN64]

If you want to go to grad school in physics, you should major in physics.

Well, sure, if you want to do things the *easy* way...

 

[iamthegelo]

If you want to go to grad school in physics, you should major in physics.

If I apply to my university's master's I won't be able to take remedial classes to help me catch up? I guess double major is my only option or switching. Thanks.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

In your graduate work you can take SOME remedial courses but generally, depending on the kind of school, you'll only be take 2-3 classes a term period. Which if you use all those for remedial you won't have room to actually take the graduate classes you need to graduate.

 

[Vanadium 50]

If I apply to my university's master's I won't be able to take remedial classes to help me catch up?

You want my honest opinion? If you are just starting your upper division classes means that you have two years advance notice. The fact that you are planning to be unprepared in starting your grad school career does not bode well.

Remember, to excel at grad school, first you have to get into grad school. The plan you have chosen does not make you a particularly appealing candidates.