What should I review for grad school in physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mattlweiss
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Undergrad
AI Thread Summary
A user with a BS in physics is considering applying to graduate school and plans to review core undergraduate subjects, specifically Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Mechanics, using texts by Taylor and Griffiths. They seek recommendations for additional physics topics and books, emphasizing a focus on physics rather than math. The user also has an MS in math and mentions interest in topics like statistical thermodynamics, optics, general relativity, quantum field theory, and computer simulations of physical systems. Suggestions include recent books by Zee on general relativity and quantum field theory, as well as Gould's book on computer simulations. It is noted that quantum field theory is not a prerequisite for graduate school. A reference to an insightful thread about becoming a physicist is also provided.
mattlweiss
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I graduated with a BS in physics about 15 years ago and am considering applying to grad school in physics. My plan is to review the undergrad curriculum with the following:

Classical Mechanics - Taylor
E&M - Griffiths
QM - Griffiths

Any recommendations on other basic subjects necessary for grad school and suggested books would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Calculus I,II,III, Linear Algebra, Diff Eqns, Complex Analysis, Boundary Value Problems, Vector Analysis
 
Thanks. But I'm thinking only physics topics. I also have an MS in math.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You don't need QFT for grad school.
 

Thread 'Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory'

TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
View full post »

Similar threads

Preparing for Grad School: A Organic Chemistry Review
Replies
2
Views
2K
Switching from Biology undergrad to Physics grad....
Replies
17
Views
5K
Preparing for Physics Grad School after Math/Comp Sci undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K
Admissions Grad School Admissions: Which do I Bother With?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
Replies
12
Views
2K
What are the best universities for a theoretical particle physics MSc?
Replies
16
Views
4K
Schools I need help choosing my undergrad physics school please
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Should I go back to grad school for physics after 4.5 years?
Replies
28
Views
4K
Admissions Research experience for physics grad school application
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top