Comprehensive Exam for Quantum Mechanics.

[jhosamelly]

So, for our comprehensive exam (MS Physics) we need to answer 4 out of 7 problems. Here are the topics.

1. Fundamental Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
2. Wave Mechanics
3. Angular Momenta
4. Matrix Mechanics
5. Harmonic Oscillator
6. Atoms
7. Approximation Methods

So, where do you think should I focus? What possible questions can they give based on these topics?

 

[Jorriss]

That's effectively a year, or half year, of quantum mechanics.

Start with yourself - where do you feel you have the most deficiencies?

 

[jhosamelly]

Well, our test is this coming saturday. What do you think should I study for Matrix Mechanics?

 

[ZapperZ]

Well, our test is this coming saturday. What do you think should I study for Matrix Mechanics?

Er.. you're kidding, right?

Your comp is this Saturday, and ONLY NOW are you figuring out what to study?

Zz.

 

[Jorriss]

Well, our test is this coming saturday. What do you think should I study for Matrix Mechanics?

I am not too sure what advice to give.

Everything you listed is very important.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Your comp is this Saturday, and ONLY NOW are you figuring out what to study?

Better than waiting until Friday night!

 

[jhosamelly]

Er.. you're kidding, right?

Your comp is this Saturday, and ONLY NOW are you figuring out what to study?

Zz.

I've been reviewing for quite some time now. Don't get me wrong. Well, what I want now is to focus on some topics which most probably would be given in the exam. Thanks

 

[micromass]

I've been reviewing for quite some time now. Don't get me wrong. Well, what I want now is to focus on some topics which most probably would be given in the exam. Thanks

The topics you should focus on are probably the topics you're weakest in.

Can you get your hands on some past exams? What did they ask?

 

[eri]

Well, I spent about 4 months solving problems from previous qualifying exams to prepare for mine. QM was 1/3 of the exam, so I'd say if you spent 1.3 months doing problems and getting most of them correct, you'd be almost ready. Asking us a few days before the exam? Now might be a good time to start studying for next year's test.