What is Physics Fundamentals Bootcamp?
Starting the graduate program at Yale Physics is very exciting, but the transition can also be disorienting while you juggle a new department, coursework, and teaching. This two-week program aims to accelerate that transition and give you some breathing room in the first month of the program by refreshing those fundamentals and forming a supportive group of peers and mentors before the first day of class! Note that this bootcamp is not intended to prepare you for the pass-out exams for required graduate courses.
Who Should Attend?
Any student looking to soften the transition into a frenetic first semester in graduate school. Get your first year as a graduate student off to a running start by solidifying the fundamentals in classical and quantum mechanics before the first day of class and form study groups from day one.
Student Feedback from Previous Bootcamp Sessions:
“I feel more prepared for the Fall classes. The boot camp did a great job getting me back into the habit of solving physics problems…I would highly recommend the boot camp for future incoming students, including for students who feel confident in their background in physics but just want to get back into the habit of solving physics problems. The boot camp made it easy to get back into a rhythm and was also a good way to meet some of the other incoming students and older students.”
“Highly recommend. This was a perfect opportunity to get back into the swing of coursework if you’ve been away from it, but also a great chance to meet your cohort in a low stress and casual environment.”
“100%, I would recommend it to incoming students. It has eased a lot of nerves about starting classes and because of the bootcamp, I won’t be feeling alone when I walk into courses this semester .”
“ I think there can be a lot of uncertainty getting into grad school. Anywhere from feeling underprepared compared to your peers to not having everything figured out. Finding out that other people are more or less in the same boat is very reassuring. And it is also a great way to get to know your class and collectively learn.”
“I feel more prepared after the bootcamp and it also gave a sense of belonging in the community.”