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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-223 Quantum Mechanics (Advanced)

Credit Points:

6.25

Coordinator:

Dr S N Tovey

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-121 + 640-122 or 640-141 + 640-142 (before 1996: 640-120 or 640-140); Mathematics 618-111 or 618-121 or 618-142 (before 1996: 618-101); Mathematics 618-132 or 618-130.

Pre/Corequisite/s:

Mathematics 618-112 or 618-122 or 618-200 or 618-211 (or before 1996: 618-102); Mathematics 618-231.

Timetable:

Semester 1

Contact:

18 lectures and 9 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the completion of the course the student should:

  • appreciate the experimental motivation for quantum mechanics;

  • be able to solve the Schrödinger equation for simple one-dimensional systems;

  • appreciate the power of quantum mechanics in understanding the physical universe.

Content:

Experimental basis of quantum mechanics: black-body radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton effect, de Broglie waves and the Davisson-Germer experiment, Bohr quantisation rule; wave-particle duality, probability interpretation and the wave function; wave packets and an introduction to Fourier Transforms; Schrödinger equation and stationary states; one-dimensional examples: potential steps, barriers and wells, harmonic oscillator; introduction to operators for energy and linear momentum; expectation values; an idea of 3-dimensional problems and the hydrogen atom.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final marks.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Serway R A, Moses C J and Moyer C A, Modern Physics, Saunders.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.