MAS324 Quantum Theory
Note: Information for future academic years is provisional. Timetable information and teaching staff are especially likely to change, but other details may also be altered, some courses may not run at all, and other courses may be added.
| Semester 2, 2022/23 | 10 Credits | ||||
| Lecturer: | Prof Carsten van de Bruck | Timetable | Reading List | ||
| Aims | Outcomes | Teaching Methods | Assessment | ||
The development of quantum theory revolutionized both physics and mathematics during the 20th century. The theory has applications in many technological advances, including: lasers, super-conductors, modern medical imaging techniques, transistors and quantum computers. This course introduces the basics of the theory and brings together many aspects of mathematics: for example, probability, matrices and complex numbers. Only first year mechanics is assumed, and other mathematical concepts will be introduced as they are needed.
Prerequisites: MAS112 (Vectors and Mechanics)
Not with: PHY202 (Quantum Mechanics)
The following modules have this module as a prerequisite:
| MAS415 | Topics in Mathematical Physics |
Outline syllabus
- Historical introduction: Brief introduction to the experiments leading to the development of quantum theory and motivation of Schrodinger's equation.
- Simple quantum systems: Particle in an infinite potential well, stationary states, expectation values, conservation of probability; simple scattering, potential step, potential barrier, finite potential well; 2-D potential well, degeneracy; finite-dimensional quantum systems.
- Mathematical aspects of quantum theory: Position and momentum operators; commutation relations; uncertainty principle; quantum simple harmonic oscillators
Aims
- To introduce the subject of quantum mechanics;
- To study simple quantum systems;
- To introduce some of the historical aspects of the subject.
Learning outcomes
Teaching methods
Lectures
20 lectures, no tutorials
Assessment
One formal 2 hour written examination.
Reading list
| Type | Author(s) | Title | Library | Blackwells | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Bransden and Joachain | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 530.12 (B) | Blackwells | Amazon |
| B | Davies | Quantum Mechanics | 530.12 (D) | Blackwells | Amazon |
| B | Rae | Quantum Mechanics | 530.12 (R) | Blackwells | Amazon |
(A = essential, B = recommended, C = background.)
Most books on reading lists should also be available from the Blackwells shop at Jessop West.