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Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PH30030: Quantum mechanics

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Mandatory extra work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must (take PH20013 or take PH20060) and take PH20019 and take PH20020
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to show how quantum theory can be developed from a few basic postulates and how this leads to an understanding of a wide variety of physical phenomena. The unit builds on unit PH20013/60 by providing a more formal and mathematical approach to quantum mechanics.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* explain the relation between wave functions, operators and experimental observables;
* use wavefunction, Dirac and matrix representations of quantum mechanics;
* set up the Schrödinger equation for model systems;
* derive eigenstates of energy, momentum and angular momentum;
* apply approximate methods to more complex systems.

Skills:
Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content:
Concepts and postulates of quantum mechanics (8 hours): The wavefunction and its interpretation. Observables and operators: position, momentum, energy operators. Properties of Hermitian operators: real eigenvalues, orthogonal eigenfunctions, expansion in a complete set of eigenfunctions. Measurements of a quantum system, collapse of the wavefunction. Probabilities of measurements, expectation values. Compatible observables, commutators, the uncertainty principle. Time evolution of the wavefunction, time dependent Schrödinger equation. Stationary states, time independent Schrödinger equation. Spreading of a Gaussian wavepacket. Dirac notation. Matrix representation of quantum mechanics.
Angular momentum (4 hours): Definitions, operators and commutators. Ladder operators. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, spherical harmonics. Spin angular momentum, Pauli spin matrices.
Solutions of the Schrödinger equation in 3D (3 hours): Separation in Cartesian and spherical polar coordinates. Examples, including the hydrogen atom.
Approximate methods (5 hours): Stationary states: non-degenerate and degenerate perturbation theory. Examples. Time-dependent perturbation theory: Fermi's golden rule, atomic transitions, selection rules.
Identical particles (2 hours): Symmetry relations for bosons and fermions. Pauli exclusion principle.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PH30030 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys Physics with Research Placement (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Mathematics and Physics (Full-time) - Year 4

PH30030 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • USMA-AFB15 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USMA-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USMA-AAB16 : BSc (hons) Mathematical Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USMA-AFB13 : BSc (hons) Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USMA-AKB14 : BSc (hons) Mathematics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USMA-AAB14 : BSc (hons) Mathematics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USMA-AAM15 : MMath Mathematics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Department of Physics
  • USXX-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USXX-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics with Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USXX-AAB04 : BSc (hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USPH-AFB09 : BSc Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AKB09 : BSc Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.