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Physics 2565: Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics I

Fall 2009

• Required text: K. Gottfried and T.-M. Yan: "Quantum Mechanics: Fundamentals," 2nd edition
• Additional recommended literature:
  J. J. Sakurai: "Modern Quantum Mechanics," revised edition
  E. Merzbacher: "Quantum Mechanics", 3rd edition
  
• Prerequisites: This is a grad level core course. Consult a physics advisor regarding prerequisites.
• Lectures: MWF 11:00-11:50am (105 Allen Hall)
• Discussion sessions: TBD

Course description

This course is the first half of a systematic survey of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. Topics to be covered include: fundamental concepts of quantum theory, general formalism of quantum theory (equivalence of vector and wave mechanics), simple quantum systems (two-state systems, 1D, 3D potential problems) potential scattering, symmetries, approximation methods.

We will mainly work with the textbook by Gottfried and Yan (be sure to use the 2nd edition!). However, occiasionally the lecture and homework assignments will cover material that is not from this book. On the other hand, the lecture will not cover every aspect from the book. Therefore it is essential that you attend lectures and read along in the textbook throughout the semester.

This course is a graduate level core course. Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level is required. Please consult an academic advisor if you are unsure whether you meet the prerequisites.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of learning the material of this course. Homework will be assigned each week on Monday and collected next week on Monday. You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems with each other after you have tried them to the best of your ability, but you cannot copy the solutions from each other. The homework assignments and solutions will be available for download on CourseWeb.

Some of the homework problems will be discussed in class (after they have been graded and returned). For this purpose I will occiasionally pick one student at random to present her/his solution on the board. In this way, you can learn from each other's solutions, and also practice your presentation skills. The presentations will count towards your final grade.

Concept tests

To support your understanding of the underlying concepts of quantum mechanics, I will occasionally interrupt the class during lectures to pose a conceptual question. You are asked to think about the question by yourself, then discuss it with your neighbor. Then I will poll the class to see how many of you obtained the correct answer. It is important that you take the peer discussion seriously because you can learn a lot from your peers. Moreover, the questions will help you understand that the goal of this course is NOT the memorization of definitions and formulas but rather to train your ability to interpret theoretical concepts and make connections between various examples.

Grading scheme

There will be one mid-term exam and a comprehensive final exam. The dates for the exams will be announced several weeks in advance. The final grade will be determined by the homework submissions (25%) and homework presentations (5%), mid-term (25%), and final exam (45%).

Disability resources

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services, 216 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890/(412) 383-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term.  DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.