Physics GRE prep

Summary

In this introductory vlog, Robert, a former biological systems engineering and mathematics student turned physics enthusiast, shares his study plan for a physics PhD journey starting in fall 2023. He outlines a weekly vlog series detailing his preparation for the physics GRE, covering topics from classical mechanics to quantum mechanics. Robert plans to use a mix of textbooks and GRE-specific materials, aiming for a 75th percentile score, and promises future content on physics humor, Nobel Prizes, and lesser-known physicists.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Robert, the host, has an undergraduate degree in Biological Systems Engineering and Mathematics but has developed a passion for physics and plans to pursue a PhD in Physics in Fall 2023.
• 📚 The video is an introduction to a vlog series focused on Robert's study plan and accountability for his upcoming physics journey.
• 📝 The script outlines a physics theory test that assesses readiness for graduate school in physics, covering nine different sections of undergraduate physics coursework.
• 🔍 Classical Mechanics is a major section of the test, accounting for about 20% of the exam, including topics like kinematics, energy, and oscillatory motion.
• 🧲 Electrodynamics is another significant section, covering electrostatics, currents, DC circuits, and magnetic fields, making up 9% of the test.
• 🌡 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, as well as Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, and Special Relativity, are other sections with varying percentages of the exam content.
• 📚 Robert plans to study from textbooks and specific materials for the GRE Physics test, including 'Conquering the Physics GRE' and 'GRE Physics Practice Questions'.
• 📈 Robert's study approach is multi-faceted, involving textbooks, practice exams, and problem sets to build a strong foundation in physics.
• 📅 With 19 weeks until the exam, Robert has a structured plan that includes weekly practice exams, chapter studies, and continuous review of problem areas.
• 🎯 His goal is to reach at least the 75th percentile, with an aspirational target of the 99th percentile on the physics GRE.
• 🌟 After the exam preparation, Robert intends to continue making videos on his channel, including fun physics-related content and biographies of physicists.

Q & A

Who is the speaker of the video script?

The speaker is Robert, a university individual with a background in biological systems engineering and mathematics who is passionate about physics and plans to become a PhD student in the field.

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to introduce Robert's study plan and accountability plan for preparing for his physics journey as a PhD student, which includes a weekly vlog discussing his study materials and strategies.

What does Robert plan to study for his physics preparation?

Robert plans to study various physics topics including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, geometric optics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, special relativity, and specialized topics.

What is the format of the physics theory test that Robert is preparing for?

The physics theory test is designed to assess preparedness for graduate school in physics and consists of nine sections covering typical undergraduate physics coursework, with a total of 100 questions to be completed in approximately three hours.

What resources does Robert mention for studying physics theory?

Robert mentions using textbooks, GRE Physics practice questions, and a book titled 'Conquering the Physics GRE' as his main study resources.

Which specific textbooks does Robert plan to use for his study?

Robert plans to use 'Classical Mechanics' by Taylor, 'Introduction to Electrodynamics' by Griffiths, 'Introduction to Quantum Mechanics' by Griffiths, and a textbook by Tucker for statistical mechanics, as well as the Pedrotti cubed book for optics.

How does Robert intend to structure his study sessions?

Robert intends to study from textbooks, take one practice exam every Sunday, work through a chapter of 'Conquering the Physics GRE' each week, and focus on areas of weakness by working through associated problems.

What is the timeframe for Robert's study plan?

Robert has about 19 weeks to prepare for the exam at the time of recording the video, and he plans to continue studying and taking practice exams throughout this period.

What are Robert's goals for his performance on the physics GRE?

Robert's goal is to reach at least the 75th percentile, but he is aiming for the 99th percentile on the physics GRE.

What content does Robert plan to create for his YouTube channel after his study period?

After his study period, Robert plans to create videos with a different tone, including sillier videos using physics for humor, short bios of Nobel Prize-winning physicists, and brief bios of lesser-known physicists.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to the Physics Study Vlog Series

Robert, a university-based science enthusiast with a background in biological systems engineering and mathematics, introduces his new YouTube channel dedicated to his journey towards becoming a physics PhD student. He outlines his plan for a weekly vlog series that will document his preparation for the physics GRE, a test designed to assess readiness for graduate school in physics. The GRE is divided into nine sections, with classical mechanics making up the largest portion at 20%. Robert plans to share materials, study plans, and progress, starting with an overview of the GRE's content and structure.

05:01

🔍 Detailed Study Plan for Physics GRE Preparation

In this paragraph, Robert elaborates on his multifaceted approach to studying for the physics GRE. He mentions using textbooks, GRE-specific materials, and practice exams to build a strong foundation in physics. He highlights two key resources: 'GRE Physics Practice Questions' for warming up and 'Conquering the Physics GRE' for in-depth understanding. Robert also lists the textbooks he plans to study from, emphasizing the importance of comprehension over completion. His study plan includes a 19-week schedule with weekly practice exams, chapter reviews from 'Conquering the Physics GRE,' and targeted improvement in weak areas. He aims for a realistic goal of reaching the 75th percentile, with an aspirational target of the 99th percentile.

10:02

🌟 Future Content and Closing Remarks

Robert concludes the script by discussing his future content plans for the channel, which include lighter, entertaining videos that apply physics concepts to humorous situations, as well as educational shorts on Nobel Prizes and lesser-known physicists. He expresses his passion for physics and the value he sees in the study process, regardless of exam outcomes. The channel will serve as a platform for sharing his love for physics and honoring the contributions of physicists, famous and obscure. He signs off with a peaceful farewell, looking forward to the next video in the series.

Keywords

💡Physics PhD

A 'Physics PhD' refers to a doctoral degree in the field of physics, which is the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. In the video, the speaker expresses his aspiration to become a Physics PhD student in the fall of 2023, indicating his deep interest in advancing his education and research in this scientific discipline.

💡Vlog Study Plan

A 'Vlog Study Plan' is a video blog that outlines a structured approach to studying, often shared on social media platforms. The speaker introduces his first video as a vlog study plan, which he will use to document and hold himself accountable for his preparation for the physics journey he is about to embark on.

💡Classical Mechanics

Classical Mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of bodies under the influence of forces. It includes topics such as kinematics, work-energy principles, and rotational motion. In the script, classical mechanics is identified as the first section of the physics theory test, emphasizing its foundational role in the study of physics.

💡Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a fundamental interaction between electrically charged particles mediated by electromagnetic fields. It encompasses electrostatics, currents, and magnetic fields. In the video, electromagnetism is one of the nine sections of the physics theory test, highlighting its importance in the curriculum.

💡Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, work, and energy. It is a fundamental theory governing the macroscopic behavior of substances. The speaker mentions thermodynamics as one of the sections that will make up 10 percent of the physics theory test, indicating its significance in understanding energy transformations.

💡Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It is known for its counterintuitive concepts like superposition and entanglement. The script specifies that quantum mechanics will constitute 12 percent of the exam content, reflecting its critical role in modern physics.

💡Special Relativity

Special Relativity is a theory of physics that deals with the behavior of objects in inertial frames of reference moving at constant speeds relative to one another. It was introduced by Albert Einstein and fundamentally changed our understanding of space and time. In the video, special relativity is one of the test sections, making up 9 percent of the exam.

💡GRE Physics

The GRE Physics is a subject-specific test for the Graduate Record Examinations, which is designed to measure a test taker's knowledge of physics and preparedness for graduate-level study in the field. The speaker is preparing for this exam, and the video discusses his study plan and materials in relation to this test.

💡Conquering the Physics GRE

This is a reference to a book titled 'Conquering the Physics GRE', which is mentioned as a highly recommended resource for students preparing for the GRE Physics exam. The speaker plans to use this book to deepen his understanding of physics topics and to practice for the exam.

💡Percentile Ranking

A percentile ranking is a statistical measure that indicates the percentage of scores in a data set that are lower than a particular score. The speaker mentions aiming for the 75th percentile as a realistic goal for his GRE Physics exam performance, with the 99th percentile as an ideal target, indicating his ambition and strategy for scoring well.

💡Nobel Prizes

The Nobel Prizes are prestigious awards conferred in several categories, including Physics, by the Nobel Foundation. The speaker expresses an interest in creating content about Nobel Prizes and the associated physicists, demonstrating a desire to educate viewers about significant contributions to the field of physics.

Highlights

Introduction to Robert, a university-based science enthusiast with a background in biological systems engineering and mathematics.

Robert's transition from research to a newfound passion for physics and his aspiration to become a physics PhD student in Fall 2023.

The channel's inaugural vlog study plan and accountability series aimed at preparing for a physics journey.

Description of the physics theory test, designed to assess readiness for graduate school in physics with a breakdown into nine sections.

Coverage of classical mechanics, including kinematics, work-energy principles, and oscillatory motion, constituting a significant portion of the exam.

Electromagnetism section overview, encompassing electrostatics, currents, and magnetic fields.

Introduction of geometric optics as part of the exam, with a brief mention of the music in the background.

Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and special relativity, each with specific exam weightage.

Availability of resources such as ISBNs for textbooks and Amazon links to study materials.

Robert's multi-faceted study approach involving textbooks and GRE physics practice questions.

Recommendation of 'Conquering the Physics GRE' as a valuable resource with challenging depth and sample exams.

List of textbooks Robert plans to study from, emphasizing understanding over rote memorization.

Study plan detailing a 19-week strategy leading up to the exam, including weekly practice exams and chapter reviews.

Robert's goal to reach at least the 75th percentile, with aspirations to achieve the 99th percentile on the exam.

Post-exam content plans for the channel, including lighter videos and educational content on Nobel Prizes and lesser-known physicists.

Closing remarks with a sign-off, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming physics journey.

Transcripts

hello fellow science enthusiasts welcome

to my youtube channel i am robert i'm a

dude that does some science things for

university i did my undergraduate degree

in biological systems engineering and

mathematics but after doing research for

a while i fell in love with a new field

physics

thus i want to become a physics phd

student in the fall of 2023

this will be the first video i post and

it is a vlog

study plan slash accountability plan

uh

that i will be doing in preparation for

the physics journey

which i will be taking this fall

it will be coming out weekly and i will

discuss the things i am doing the

materials i'm studying the general plan

of attack and how i plan to improve

now without further ado

let's

jump into it

uh first let's break down the physics

theory the intent of this test is to

determine your preparedness for graduate

school in physics by testing your

knowledge about the typical

undergraduate physics coursework

this is broken down into

nine sections that i'll cover briefly

the first section will be

classical mechanics uh this will include

kinematics student's law work in energy

oscillatory motion rotational motion you

know all that fun stuff it gets into the

ground genes and hamiltonian formalisms

uh some stuff is not inertial reference

frames

and that's going to be make that's going

to make about 20 of the exam

so it's a big chunk but it's

just your classical stuff you know

the next is going to be electromagnetism

such as electrostatics currents dc

circuits magnetic fields and free space

uh

and the likes of that

objects and wave amount are gonna make

up nine percent

uh

this is going to be mostly geometric

optics um

[Music]

yeah there's then there's going to be

thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

which is going to make up ten percent

uh then you're going to have 12 percent

d

quantum mechanics 10 percent atomic

physics 6

special relativity nine percent

specialized topics which is going to be

just a bunch of assortments of different

things

and down in the link below you'll be

able to find the exact breakdown from

the ets website and i'll provide any of

the resources that i mentioned like

isbns for textbooks that i'm going to be

studying from or like amazon links to

the the books that i'm working through

and i'll keep you guys posted

on how how that goes so

uh

my approach to how i'm going to study

for the physics theory

is going to be

uh multi-faceted

i'm going to be studying from textbooks

and i'm going to be studying from

uh some material that was created

specifically for this uh

the specific material that i'm going to

be looking at for the physician areas

i'm going to be using

this gre physics practice questions it's

got uh six

sample exams

uh and it's got a bunch of

problems for each of the aforementioned

sections

uh it looks like it's going to be

slightly

easier but it's going to be like a good

way to warm up just get my

foundation laid right so i won't expect

this to be an exact replication of what

you're going to see on the exam but i

will be taking the exams and improving

in uh

the areas specified here and

work through the problem sets inside of

this

the next one this one is comes highly

recommended from anything that i've ever

seen you know there's a

plenty of uh

physics

majors phd students and that on the

likes that said that book has had really

helped them and if you go on to any

online forums a lot of them say yes

conquering the physics gre

is a lifesaver if you look at the

reviews on amazon

it looks like it it

it covers uh

things at a slightly

uh more challenging depth and it's got a

three sample exams that i will be going

through and inside of there there's

sections for each of these where they go

over the

the

basics

of

well not not just the basics they try to

give a

a high level overview

of each of the topics um and

so i'll be working through that uh you

know it has three sample exams in the

back and i'll be taking those sample

exams

as i go through it uh they also

recommend some textbooks to study from

themselves uh for each of the sections

and i will

not specifically mention those but i'll

put it down below and there are some

other links that uh could be helpful

this the textbook also or not this

textbook the practice material also has

a section on helpful tips

[Music]

and

special things that you can do

to

more quickly solve the problems because

this is going to be 100 questions in

three hours and that's going to be

a bit difficult you know

so you only have you have a very short

time but anyway

um

it's about three hours i think it's two

hours and 50 minutes

now

for

uh

the

textbooks i'll be working through i will

be working through classical mechanics

by

taylor and m

by uh her introduction to electro

dynamics by

uh griffiths i'm going to be using

introduction to quantum mechanics by

griffiths

uh

for my statistical mechanics i'll be

using a textbook by tucker

uh for optics i'll be using the pedrodi

cubed book although that one seems to be

significantly more comprehensive

than

what is required for the physics theory

but like these textbooks i'm just

studying through

uh

not just for the the

ability to pass this exam right the the

idea is that

uh the material should supplement my

understanding to the point where i could

get a decent grade on it but for the

textbooks i'm going to be working

through i really want to emphasize

uh

understanding i've already been studying

through classical mechanics and

introduction to electrodynamics says

that would make up the biggest portion

of the exam and i don't think that i'll

be able to by september

finish working through each of the

textbooks but that that doesn't matter

right the idea is that i just keep

working through them

so that i can get an understanding of

the material

and

uh understand physics hopefully because

that's that's the end goal you know

regardless of what happens

uh

none of this time will be wasted because

this time will be spent

understanding a subject that i love

here is

the plan

i'm about 19 weeks out

from the exam at the time of recording

this video which is still a far away but

it's

deceptive it's actually a lot closer

than you think you know 19 weeks can fly

by if you don't have a strategy and a

plan to attack it from that

and what i plan to do

just continue studying my textbooks

obviously um

keep working on those

uh

in addition

i will be taking one of the practice

exams

uh every sunday right so i'll start out

with the

easier exams for the exams that i think

might be easier

then i'll find there are a couple of

online

previous exams and there's a practice

exam from ets

uh and i'll also use in front of me the

the sample exams at the back of the

concrete and physics theory

[Music]

and

each week

i will also be working through

a chapter of the conquering physics

theory right so that means that i'll be

reading through the pages

doing the problems from each of the

sections

and

working through that

uh

and

then uh after each of my exams i'm going

to assess what areas i did well in and

which areas i did poorly in

and i will be working through

the associated problems inside

of

not the conquering physics theory but

the

physics theory practice problems because

they have different sections with like

100 problems for

each of the topics and i'll be working

through that and working through their

guided explanations as well

and then if i see significant

improvement

i will look at the next lowest thing on

the exams and

hopefully

i will trend upwards in all of these

exams that i'm taking and i'll continue

to do better and better uh and the goal

or the dream would be to

be able to eke my way into the 75th

percentile

but you know that is

i'll be shooting for

the 99th percentile but

75th is like

i think i can that's that's realistic i

think i could make that

um

and then

uh

you know continue working through the

textbooks like i said

uh at the end of all of these practice

exams i'll be about six weeks out

uh

and yeah so after all of this is done

after all this

large amount of studying is done what i

plan to do is continue making videos on

this channel

um

but

uh it's gonna be it's gonna be a

different tone right uh there's gonna be

sillier videos

uh

where i like i do use physics to come up

with some some funny stuff

uh

and i will also like to make short bios

for

each of the nobel prizes and the

associated physicists

and for certain times of the month or

not certain times certain times of the

year

i would like to make

uh very brief bios

on

uh lesser-known physicists uh you know

who have influenced and helped shape the

the landscape that are

lesser known and there might even be

some contemporary ones in there some

that are still out there practicing

uh but the idea is just to like

go through the history

learn about each of the nobel prizes and

what how they were won and all that kind

of fun stuff and also shed light onto

some great physicists that

don't get recognition for whatever

reason but uh

yeah uh and until next time

peace