Contact Information
Goals and Requirements
Method of Evaluation
Course Content
Course Schedule
Students are required to know mathematical methods such as vector calculus and differential equations. Also, they are expected to know modern physics thoroughly; in particular it would be useful to know the Bohr model of the atom, general concepts of quantum mechanics and early experiments in quantum mechanics.
Students will learn how to solve simple problems, such as the motion of a free particle, a particle in a finite or an infinite well, the one-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom using the Schrodinger equation. They will learn how to find the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for these problems. They will learn time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations and know how to apply these to the problems mentioned above. Students will also gain familiarity with the basic machinery of quantum mechanics and will learn when and how to use approximations and perturbation techniques. Finally, some familiarity with scattering theory and identical particles will also be gained. While the emphasis here is on wave-mechanical methods, students will be made aware of Dirac notation and state vectors to describe quanta. The theory of angular momentum is also briefly introduced.
Homework = 35%, In Class Exams = 30%, Final Exam = 35%.
You will need at least 90% for an A, 85% for a B+, 75% for a B,
70% for a C+ and 60% for a C.
Homework:
You must read roughly 8 pages of Griffiths as preparation
for each lecture. Ideally, students should read material prior to a
lecture, pay close attention during the lecture and ask questions if
they are still unclear about anything. Do not hesitate to ask questions
- even when many students in class are puzzled only one may be brave
enough to ask! Don't think you are the only one who is confused and / or
that asking a question reflects poorly on you in any way. Remember,
grades are earned via homeworks and exams, questions are merely to
understand the material better.
Homework problems will be assigned every week and they will
be due Friday of the next week.
Late homework receives only 50% points if submitted within one week of
due date. After that, late homework should not be submitted - there will
be no credit given.
Attendance: Mandatory!
The course begins with a description of the wavefunction and the Schrodinger equation. Next, we learn to apply the Schrodinger equation to three important problems: the infinite square well, the simple harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. (Other simple problems considered are the free particle, the delta-function potential and the finite square well). The formalism of quantum mechanics is learned during this process and a formal study follows. The study of the hydrogen atom includes a discussion of angular momentum and spin.
After a discussion of identical particles and quantum statistics, we move on to applicaitons of quantum mechanics. Prominent applications include perturbation theory (both time-dependent and time-independent) as well as various approximation methods. Finally, we introduce quantum scattering theory.