There are two exams administered on the last Thursday and Friday before the fall semester begins. At this time we do not offer the exam in the spring or at any other time. Each exam typically has 9 problems with each problem assigned to parts that correspond to topics within the exam category. The exam is aimed at a difficulty level of advanced undergraduate to the beginning graduate students. The two exams cover topics in classical and modern physics as indicated below. From year to year, the number of problems in each section and minor adjustments is made to the configuration of the exams. Specific and detailed instructions will be provided for you during the exam.

Some general rules associated with the process of taking the exam:

• Students can solve as many problems as they wish but only the first six will be graded. So please do not turn in more than six questions
• Students are given 4 hours to complete each exam. The exams start at 1:00 PM and go till 5:00 PM on each day. Additional time could be allowed at the discretion of the proctor. However, no more than 15 minutes are allowed.
• Students are allowed a writing implement, a calculator, and a math handbook such as “Handbook of Mathematical Functions With Graphs, Formulas, Graphs and Mathematical Tables” by Abromowitz and Stegun. Scratch sheets will be provided by the proctors or “Schuam’s outlines Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables” by M. Spiegle, S. Lipshutz, and J. Lui.
• Students should work out their solutions on the paper provide. Make sure you include the following on EACH and every page you turn in:
  1. TOP LEFT: The question and part number (ie., 1.a, 3.c…)
  2. TOP RIGHT: YOUR PANTHER ID (not your name or any other information identifying you as an individual)

For the Classical Physics exam, you must do at least two each from “Part A” and “Part B” and one from “Part C” to pass the test. One extra problem from any of the parts for a total of 6 problems altogether. The topics covered are divided into Parts as follows:

• Part A: 3 – 4 problems from classical mechanics
• Part B: 3 – 4 problems from electromagnetism
• Part C: 2 problems from thermodynamic and statistical mechanics

For the Advanced Physics exam, you must do at least two problems from each “Part”. Two extra problems from either part for a total of 6 problems altogether. The topics covered by the Advanced Physics exam are also divided into “Parts” as follows:

• Part A: 4 – 5 problems from quantum mechanics
• Part B: 4 – 5 problems from special relativity and modern physics

A breakdown of topics typically covered in exams by category. In principle, there is no constraint on topics that can be included in any given exam but this survey, conducted in 2019 of past exams may provide you with some insights as to what is likely to be included in this year’s exam. The 2019 survey