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Quantum Mechanics

General data

Course ID: 1100-3001
Erasmus code / ISCED: 13.203 The subject classification code consists of three to five digits, where the first three represent the classification of the discipline according to the Discipline code list applicable to the Socrates/Erasmus program, the fourth (usually 0) - possible further specification of discipline information, the fifth - the degree of subject determined based on the year of study for which the subject is intended. / (0533) Physics The ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) code has been designed by UNESCO.
Course title: Quantum Mechanics
Name in Polish: Mechanika kwantowa
Organizational unit: Faculty of Physics
Course groups:
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores): (not available) Basic information on ECTS credits allocation principles:
  • the annual hourly workload of the student’s work required to achieve the expected learning outcomes for a given stage is 1500-1800h, corresponding to 60 ECTS;
  • the student’s weekly hourly workload is 45 h;
  • 1 ECTS point corresponds to 25-30 hours of student work needed to achieve the assumed learning outcomes;
  • weekly student workload necessary to achieve the assumed learning outcomes allows to obtain 1.5 ECTS;
  • work required to pass the course, which has been assigned 3 ECTS, constitutes 10% of the semester student load.

view allocation of credits
Language: Polish
Prerequisites (description):

Knowledge of classical mechanics, complex numbers, differential calculus, matrix algebra.

Mode:

Classroom

Short description:

The course is to introduce students to mathematical formalism and applications of non-relativistic quantum mechanics to description of microscopic systems.

Full description:

The course aims to introduce students to the fascinating world of microscopic objects described by the laws of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Attention will be focused on building participants' "quantum intuition" through applications of the theory to description of phenomena in the world of atoms, molecules, and nuclei.

Program:

1. Wave function and the Schrödinger equation. Linearity of the Schrödinger equation and its consequences.

2. Postulates of quantum mechanics. Quantum observables. Uncertainty principle.

3. Classification of solutions to the Schrödinger equation: states of a free particle, states of a particle bound in a potential well, scattering states, band-like solutions in periodic systems.

4. Harmonic oscillator. Creation and annihilation operators.

5. Quantum theory of angular momentum. Spin. Quantum-mechanical coupling of angular momenta.

6. Particle in a spherically symmetric potential. Hydrogen atom.

7. Motion of a charged particle in the electromagnetic field.

8. Methods of approximate solution to the Schrödinger equation : stationary perturbation theory, variational method, WKB approximation.

9. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Ionization of the Hydrogen atom. The Fermi golden-rule.

10. Quantum theory of scattering: the Born series and partial waves.

11. Elements of quantum many-body theory: molecular orbitals and molecular binding in H2 molecule, the Fermi-gas model, mean-field approximation.

12. Quantum nature of the Standard Model and its secrets.

Courses required before attending:

Mathematical Analysis, Algebra with Geometry, or Mathematics, Physics IV, Classical Mechanics

Completion rules:

Completion of classes and passing exam - details of credits allocation will be announced at the course beginning.

Time estimates:

Lecture = 60 hours

Classes = 60 hours

Homework problems = 70 hours

Preparation for tests and exams = 70 hours

Total of about 260 hours

Description composed by Stanisław Głazek, July 2013.

Bibliography:

1. L. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics.

2. L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifszyc, Quantum Mechanics.

3. I. Białynicki-Birula, M. Cieplak, and J. Kamiński, Theory of Quanta.

4. B.G. Englert, Lectures on Quantum Mechanics.

5. R.L. Liboff, Introductory Quantum Mechanics.

6. R. Shankar, Mechanika kwantowa.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

- knowledge of physical effects demonstrating incompatibility of classical physics with microscopic world

- mastering basic notions and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics

- comprehension of the quantum picture of physical quantities, such as energy, angular momentum, etc.

Skills:

- solving standard problems in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics

- describing quantum phenomena using simple mathematical models

- explaining effects resulting from wave-particle duality and quantum interference

Assessment methods and assessment criteria:

- homework

- tests

- final written exam

- final oral exam

Internships:

none

This course is not currently offered.
Course descriptions are protected by copyright.
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