The courses are designed to complete the student's undergraduate training in classical and quantum physics and to provide an introduction to the several branches of modern physics emphasized in the department. Prior equivalent course work may reduce the course requirement for individual students. The preliminary examination is normally taken at the beginning of the second term and is devoted to physics normally taught as part of an undergraduate curriculum. The qualifying examination, normally taken at the beginning of the fourth term, is devoted to advanced physics with special attention given to material contained in the Yale graduate course program. Both six-hour written examinations must be taken by the beginning of the fourth term.
Students normally submit the dissertation prospectus some time during their third year of study.
There is no foreign language requirement. Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate-training program. All students are encouraged to serve as teaching fellows during a portion of their first two years of study. Formal association with a dissertation adviser normally begins in the fourth semester after the two aforementioned exams have been taken.