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.