The students enrolled in the Physics PhD program must obtain a passing grade in all 3 subject areas listed below in order to successfully complete the written part of the qualifying exam. An oral exam follows for a student who passes the written part of the qualifying exam.

1st PACKAGE (3 hour exam) Topics (all at undergraduate level):

1. Physical estimates,
2. Classical mechanics,
3. Electromagnetism,
4. Quantum mechanics.

2nd PACKAGE (3 hour exam) Topics (all at graduate level):

1. Classical mechanics,
2. Electromagnetism,
3. Mathematical physics.

3rd PACKAGE (3 hour exam) Topics (all at graduate level):

1. Quantum mechanics,
2. Statistical mechanics.

In addition, the student chooses one question on one of the following topics (all at graduate level):

1. Astrophysics
2. Condensed matter physics
3. Theoretical physics (particle physics, gravitation, string theory, group theory)
4. or other special topics.