PHYS2003 Quantum Physics
Module Overview
The aim of this course is to give a systematic introduction to quantum mechanics. The material and skills learnt in this course will form the basis for most of the subsequent courses in Physics.
The aim of this course is to give a systematic introduction to quantum mechanics. The material and skills learnt in this course will form the basis for most of the subsequent courses in Physics.
After studying this course students should:
have understood the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, be able to solve the Schrödinger equation in one dimensional simple situations, have understood the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, be able to follow the solution for the Hydrogen atom, have an elementary understanding of the quantum behaviour of systems of many particles.
• Probability and probability amplitudes.
• Wave functions and 1D Schrödinger equation.
• Normalisation, expectation values, momentum and position.
• Time independent Schrödinger equation: stationary states. The infinite square well, harmonic oscillator, free particle, delta function potential, finite square well. Tunnelling.
• Formalism: operators, eigenstates, observables.
• Schrödinger equation in 3D: angular momentum and spin. The Hydrogen atom.
| Activity | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 36 | |
| Tutorial | 12 |
Weekly course work will be set and assessed in the normal way, but only the best ‘n-2’ attempts will contribute to the final coursework mark. Here n = the number of course work items issued during that Semester. As an example, if you are set 10 sets of course work across a Semester, the best 8 of those will be counted.
- In an instance where a student may miss submitting one or two sets of course work, those sets will not be counted. Students will however, still be required to submit Self Certification forms on time for all excused absences, as you may ultimately end up missing 3+ sets of course work through illness, for example. The submitted Self Certification forms may be considered as evidence for potential Special Considerations requests.
- In the event that a third (or higher) set of course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that set. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.
| Method | Hours | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Sheets | - | 20% |
| Exam | 2 hours | 80% |
Referral Method: See notes below
By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.