453 Phys - Quantum Mechanics

2018/2019 First Term (start date: 2 Sep 2018)
2017/2018 Second Term (start date: 21 Jan 2018)
2017/2018 First Term (current term)
2016/2017 Second Term

Summary 
This is an introductory course on Quantum Mechanics. The first part covers the need and motivation for QM. The second part covers the Schrodinger equation and its solutions for 1D cases. Next, the postulates of QM are layed out. Finally, some more advanced topics are covered including angular momentum and spin.
 

Course Context:

This course builds up on what you have learned in Modern Physics.   

Course Content:

• The Need for Quantum Mechanics
  • The Double-slit experiemnt with electrons and photons
• The wavefunction
  • Plane waves
  • Wave Packets
  • Probalistic interpretation
• The Schrodinger Equation in one-dimension
  • From Helmholtz to Schrodinger
  • The role of ponetials
  • Free particle
  • Particle in a box and the role of boundaries
  • The Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
• Postulates of Quamtum Mechanics
• Maths of Quantum Mechanics
• The Schrodinger Equation in 3 dimensions
• Angular Momentum
• The Hydrogen Atom
• Addition of Agular Momentum 
• Quantum Computing and Information (if time allows)

Course Goals:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Recognise the need for the departure from classical mechanics to quantum mechancis
• Explain the rational behind the Schrodinger Equation
• Calculate the energy specturm of some known quantum systems (e.g. the Harmonic Oscillator)
• Use Dirac formalizm with confidence
• Handle systems of up to two angular momenta
• Become familiar with modern topics, such as quantum computing and quantum information

Assessment:

• Homework and Assignments
• In-course discussions
• Presentations
• Group work
• Midterm and final written-examsTeaching Materials:

References:

• Required: Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by Zettili
• Recommended: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths and Schroeter

The books I'm adopting are:

• Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David Griffiths and Darrell Schroeter, Third Edition, Cambridge University Press, 2018
• Quantum Mechaincs: Concepts and Applications by Nouredine Zettili, Second Edition, Wiley, 2009