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Nuclear Reactor Physics

First Part:

Prepare slides keeping in mind half of the committee is out of your field. 

Practice with students from and out of reactor physics.

Don't try to present everything. Present what the committee must understand and present what would lead to questions you like. 

Communication lab is helpful. 

Second Part:

Based on two 2015 quals, it seems Chapter 9 of Handbook_of_Nuclear_Engineering is the bible. 

Nuclear Materials

The main thing that I found helpful was the practice oral exams. Other grad students suggested that I do two or three practice orals, but in my opinion, with the new system their is no reason not to have four or five. I had two practices where I was given an unprepared questions, but I also had three opportunities to present my presentation and get asked on them, to simulate the first half. And finally, I got a full practice oral where I simulated both halves of the exam.

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