Comprehensive Exams: January 2024
Exams will be held in-person.
Day 1: Saturday, January 13th
Quantum and Modern Physics
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Proctor: Chris Butenhoff
(1 hour lunch break)
Electricity and Magnetism
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Proctor: Andres La Rosa
Day 2: Sunday, January 14th
Thermodynamics and Stat. Mech
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Proctor: TBD
(1 hour lunch break)
Classical Mechanics
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Proctor: Peter Moeck
The exam covers the major fields of physics up to 500 level at PSU.
These major fields include Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Statistical and Thermal Physics, and other topics found in Modern Physics.
Students are allowed one page (both sides) of notes per day.
For remote exams contact Erik Sanchez: esanchez@pdx.edu
The best way to prepare for the exam is to work problems from previous years.
Please e-mail physics@pdx.edu to request copies of these exams.
Recommended references:
Classical Mechanics
"Classical Mechanics" (up to Chapter 11)
Author: John R. Taylor
Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics
"Thermal Physics" (Chapters 1-7)
Author: Daniel Schroeder
Pearson, 1999
Electricity & Magnetism
"Introduction to Electrodynamics" (up to end of Chapter 7)
Author: David J. Griffiths
Modern Physics
"Modern Physics" (including - Special Relativity, Particle Physics, or Nuclear Physics)
Author: Raymond A. Serway, et. al.
Quantum Mechanics
"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" (Chapters 1-4)
Author: David J. Griffiths and Darrel F. Schroeter
"Feyman Lectures" Volume III (chapters 1-3)
Author: Richard Feyman
Notes:
- The student must successfully pass all sections of the exam in the first 3 years of entering the program.
- The student may take the exam the first year if the student so desires.