Preparing for PGRE: My Recommended Reading List

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommended reading materials for preparing for the Physics Graduate Record Examination (PGRE). Participants share their suggestions for textbooks covering various topics relevant to the exam, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists several textbooks they plan to study, including "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, and "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths, seeking feedback on their choices.
  • Another participant suggests adding "Thermal Physics" by Shroeder, noting its suitability for PGRE review and emphasizes the importance of studying released PGRE exams.
  • Several participants recommend including a modern physics book to cover topics like special relativity and classic experiments, as these may appear on the exam.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about Griffiths' Particle Physics book, suggesting it may be excessive for the PGRE, while others mention mixed reviews about it.
  • Another participant shares their experience with "Serway, Moses, and Moyer" for modern physics, indicating it was helpful for their studies.
  • There is a query about Beiser's book on modern physics, with one participant stating they have no experience with it but believe it could be adequate if it covers standard topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a solid foundation in various physics topics for the PGRE, but there are differing opinions on specific textbooks and their relevance or depth for the exam. No consensus is reached on the best resources, and multiple competing views remain regarding the adequacy of certain books.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of certain textbooks for the PGRE, and there are mentions of mixed reviews regarding specific titles. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and recommendations without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the PGRE, educators seeking to guide students in their preparation, and individuals interested in recommended physics textbooks for advanced study.

Rose.w
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
These are the books that i have decided to study from for my PGRE...Any advice and recommendations are needed...

Fundamentals of Physics : Halliday, Resnick and Walker
Introduction To Electrodynamics : David J. Griffiths
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics : David J. Griffiths
Optics : E Hecht
Heat and Thermodynamics : Mark W Zemansky and Richard Dittman
Feynman's Lectures


please tell me what you think...thank you.. :D :D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Those should cover most of the material on the test. Personally, I recommend Shroeder's "Thermal Physics." It's not the most in-depth undergrad book on the subject, but I think it's written at a level perfect for PGRE Review.

Remember to study to the test! There are four released PGRE exams. Check those out and see what topics the GRE people like, and make sure you know those cold. Also, make sure to take two of those practice exams under test like conditions.
 
G01 said:
Those should cover most of the material on the test. Personally, I recommend Shroeder's "Thermal Physics." It's not the most in-depth undergrad book on the subject, but I think it's written at a level perfect for PGRE Review.

Remember to study to the test! There are four released PGRE exams. Check those out and see what topics the GRE people like, and make sure you know those cold. Also, make sure to take two of those practice exams under test like conditions.

yes..i definitely will..Thanks...
Also,is there any other book i'll be needing?
 
The only thing I think you may want to add is a modern physics book of some sort, just to review special relativity and the classic modern physics experiments (Frank-Hertz, Photoelectric Effect, Thompson e/m, etc.). The PGRE sometimes likes to ask questions about these experiments. Also, if you'll want to review relativity and some relativistic kinematics, as there will be a few problems of this type.

The only other thing you'd possibly want is some basic book on elementary particles. Sometimes a few questions on basic elementary particle questions may pop up.
 
G01 said:
The only thing I think you may want to add is a modern physics book of some sort, just to review special relativity and the classic modern physics experiments (Frank-Hertz, Photoelectric Effect, Thompson e/m, etc.). The PGRE sometimes likes to ask questions about these experiments. Also, if you'll want to review relativity and some relativistic kinematics, as there will be a few problems of this type.

The only other thing you'd possibly want is some basic book on elementary particles. Sometimes a few questions on basic elementary particle questions may pop up.

ok...so Which books would you recommend for that purpose then?
 
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.
 
I am like 99% sure that Griffith's Particle Physics book is overkill for the PGRE.
 
G01 said:
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.

alright...thanks...
 
G01 said:
I've never taken a particle course as an undergrad. That was one book I never had. I know Griffith's has a book, but I've seen mixed reviews. You can try looking that up. I'm sure it will be enough to cover the basic particle questions that appear on the GRE.

For modern physics, I used Serway, Moses, and Moyer.

n1person said:
I am like 99% sure that Griffith's Particle Physics book is overkill for the PGRE.

how about beiser's book of modern physics?
 
  • #10
Rose.w said:
how about beiser's book of modern physics?

I have no experience with that book. It doesn't mean it's not good. If it covers the topics in a standard, second year modern physics course, it should be fine.
 
  • #11
ok then..i'll try out that one...
 

Similar threads

Other Can I (with a math major) do a masters in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Studying John Baez's list of books math prerequisites?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Studying Self-Studying Physics in 8 months for a University Entrance Exam
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
7K
Schools PGRE - A message to undergrads from physics grad school.
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
8K
Good follow up to The theoretical Minimum?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Cosmology Which textbooks should a physics undergraduate read?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Studying Good Books for Physics: ZapperZ's List
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
18K
Studying Preparing for Plasma Physics (Jackson)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Studying Recommendation to my study program for Physics/Math
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K