Quantum Physics

Subject PHYC30018 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

Physics

All three of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

(PHYC20009 Thermal and Classical Physics may be taken concurrently)

OR
one of

  • 640-223 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics (prior to 2009)
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

And Mathematics

Either both of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

Or

  • 620-296 Multivariable & Vector Calculus (prior to 2010)

For students who commenced second year level mathematics prior to 2009:

One of

  • 620-231 Vector Analysis (prior to 2009)
  • 620-233 Vector Analysis Advanced (prior to 2009)
  • MAST20009 Vector Calculus

And one of

  • 620-232 Mathematical Methods (prior to 2010)
  • 620-234 Mathematical Methods Advanced (prior to 2009).

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may only gain credit for one of

  • PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
  • 640-321 Quantum Mechanics Advanced (prior to 2010)
  • 640-341 Quantum Mechanics (prior to 2009)
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Prof Raymond Volkas

Contact

Email: PHYC30018@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Quantum mechanics plays a central role in our understanding of fundamental phenomena, primarily in the microscopic domain. It lays the foundation for an understanding of atomic, molecular, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics.

Topics covered include:

  • the basic principles of quantum mechanics (probability interpretation; Schrödinger equation; Hermitian operators, eigenstates and observables; symmetrisation, antisymmetrisation and the Pauli exclusion principle; entanglement)
  • wave packets, Fourier transforms and momentum space
  • eigenvalue spectra and delta-function normalisation
  • Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • matrix theory of spin
  • the Hilbert space or state vector formation using Dirac bra-ket notation
  • the harmonic oscillator
  • the quantisation of angular momentum and the central force problem including the hydrogen atom
  • approximation techniques including perturbation theory and the variational method
  • applications to atomic and other systems.
Objectives:

Students completing this subject should be able to:

  • explain the basic principles of quantum physics including the probability interpretation, unitary time-evolution, the association of operators with observables, Pauli exclusion principle, and entanglement;
  • solve elementary problems involving intrinsic spin;
  • solve problems by applying quantum mechanical theory to situations involving atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles;
  • appreciate the importance of approximation techniques in quantum mechanics.
Assessment:

Two written assignments each totalling up to an equivalent of 1500 words during the semester (10% each). One poster presentation (10%). A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (70%).

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:
  • D J Griffiths Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Ed, Pearson Prentice Hall 2005.
  • E Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics, Wiley
  • B H Bransden and C J Joachain, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Longmans
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

  • analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations
  • apply abstract concepts to real-world situations
  • solve relatively complicated problems using approximations
  • participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions
  • manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake the written assignments and the examination.
Notes:

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Chemical Physics (specialisation of Physics major)
Mathematical Physics
Physics (specialisation of Physics major)
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

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