QUANTUM MECHANICS - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module introduces the basic concepts and techniques of Quantum Mechanics. 

Module provider

Mathematics

Module Leader

TORRIELLI Alessandro (Physics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

You cannot take PHY3044. 

Module content

Topics covered will include some or all of:

• Crucial experiments and birth of quantum mechanics.


• Hilbert spaces and Dirac notation.


• Postulates of quantum mechanics, uncertainty principle, wave functions. 


• Hamiltonian and its spectrum, Schroedinger equation, observables.


• Examples: Particle in a well, tunneling effect, harmonic oscillator.


• Advanced topics: Angular momentum and their addition rules, spin, exclusion principle.


• Advanced Applications: Hydrogen Atom, perturbation theory and level-splitting.   

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

·         Understanding of and ability to interpret and manipulate mathematical statements. 

·         Subject knowledge through the recall of key postulates, theorems and their proofs.

·         Analytical ability through the solution of unseen problems in the test and exam.

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

·     One two-hour examination (three out of four best answers contribute to the exam mark) at the end of the Semester; worth 80% of the module mark.

·     One in-semester test; worth 20% of the module mark.

 

Formative assessment and feedback

 

Students receive written feedback via a number of un-assessed coursework assignments over the 11-week period.  Students are then encouraged to arrange meetings with the module convener for verbal feedback. 

Module aims

• Introduce students to the mathematical description of quantum phenomena.
• Enable students to understand the postulates of quantum mechanics and their applications to the physical world.
• Illustrate the application of the theory of quantum mechanics to simple examples (particles in one-dimension, spin systems)    

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide:

• A detailed introduction to the relevant theory and its tenets, and to the appropriate mathematical tools for their implementation


• Experience (through demonstration) of the methods used to interpret, understand and solve concrete problems, especially for simple toy-model examples

• 3 x 1 hour lectures per week x 11 weeks, with black/whiteboard written notes to supplement the module notes and Q + A opportunities for students.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAT3039

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.