Typical upper division physics courses concentrate on the tools (for example mathematical methods) that have been developed to solve physics problems. These tools make you a scientist, but they do not by themselves, make you a physicist. To be a physicist, you have to also have internalized physics knowledge. The GRE Physics subject test and at least part 1 of our Ph.D. qualifying exam probe your internalized physics knowledge. Problems on the GRE do not require lengthy calculations, but they assume that you have a good conceptual understanding of physics, that you remember definitions and simple formulas, and that you know at least approximately important physical constants and scales.
In this seminar you will find out what you really need to know about the different physics topics on the GRE without having to go to reference materials. You will see how the same basic knowledge is tested in many differently worded problems, and you will solve many GRE-type problems, since practice makes perfect. You will also practice some test-taking skills.
Each class will start with a 25 minute practice test. The remaining class period is devoted to in-class discussion of the physics knowledge and the problem-solving strategies needed to achieve a high score on this practice test. The homework assignment sis another practice test. Initially problems from specific subfields will be grouped together, but later practice tests will contain problems from all subfields. The link Practice Tests brings up the schedule.
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). This will ensure that you are properly registered for the services provided by ODS.