A proper response to an interview question for PhD admission What is a proper reply to questions like "Describe your operational knowledge about (some course, i.e. quantum physics)?"

I have taken few courses about quantum physics but it's not a big deal for an M.Sc. physics graduate. Everybody knows that it's essential to take quantum physics courses during B.Sc. and M.Sc. physics.

Should the answer be about the stuff that I learned in that course?
Not a big deal? Along with general relativity, quantum mechanics is one of the main pillars of modern physics!

You are right that everyone who has done a BSc in physics will have learnt a bit of QM-- the problem is, not everyone will have done the same amount, or to the same level. They probably ask you this question so they can gauge exactly how much you have learnt and so where you stand in relation to your potential classmates.

A good way to answer the question would be to describe the QM you have learnt, and reference what textbooks you used, especially if they are the standard, well-known literature.