Which Physics Electives are Best for Preparing for Graduate School?

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The discussion centers on selecting physics electives for a double major, specifically focusing on which courses would best prepare a student for graduate school. The options include Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism II, Introduction to Mathematical Physics, and Applied Optics. There is a consensus that both Quantum Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism II would be beneficial, with a particular emphasis on the importance of Quantum Mechanics for graduate studies. Confusion arises regarding the status of these courses as electives despite being part of a physics major, with references to curriculum structures at institutions like MIT, where only one semester of Quantum Mechanics is required, suggesting that some foundational topics are covered in other courses.
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Currently, I'm doing a double major, one of which is a B.S. in physics. Of the following four classes, I have to take two of them. What I was wondering was which of these would be better preparation to enter grad school? Here the physics electives:
-Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
-Electricity and Magnetism II
-Introduction to Mathematical Physics
-Applied Optics

I was thinking a class in quantum mechanics would probably be the most useful.
 
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Both QM as EM will be useful. I recommend taking them both.
 
Im confused... You are majoring in physics and intro to quantum mechanics is an elective? E&M II is an elective?
 
ModusPwnd said:
Im confused... You are majoring in physics and intro to quantum mechanics is an elective? E&M II is an elective?

Even at MIT course 8b allows you to be a physics major and only take 1 semester of intro qm.

http://web.mit.edu/catalog/degre.scien.ch8.html#
 
Yeah, I thought it was odd that QM was not required, but some QM is covered in the modern physics course.
 

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