Fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Solutions of the Schroedinger equation and their properties for simple systems are discussed.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students must demonstrate understanding of quantum theory at this level prior to enrolling in the 800 level course.
Athena Title
Intro Quantum Mechanics I
Undergraduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and PHYS 4101/6101
Graduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and PHYS 4101/6101
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to solve eigenvalue problems for quantum operators by diagonalizing the matrix and constructing a basis, and then interpreting the physical meaning of the mathematical results.
Students should be able to compute the commutation relationships among operators and understand their connection to simultaneous measurements and shared eigenvectors.
Students should be able to solve for the time evolution of quantum systems using the Schrodinger equation.
Students should be able to discuss the connections between quantization and bound states.
Students should be able to evaluate the reasonableness of any solution through such methods as dimensional analysis, limiting/special cases, order of magnitude estimates, and verifying boundary conditions.
Topical Outline
Hilbert spaces and quantum states; Dirac notation
Postulates of quantum mechanics: probability, measurement and collapse, Hermitian operators
Schroedinger equation, stationary states, and time evolution
