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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-321 Quantum Mechanics (Advanced)

Credit Points:

15.5

Coordinator:

Dr G C Joshi

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-223 or 640-243; Mathematics 618-231 and 618-232.

Timetable:

Semester 1

Contact:

36 lectures (three a week) and 13 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the completion of this course the student should:

  • comprehend many aspects of advanced quantum mechanics;

  • be able to apply quantum mechanical theory to problems involving atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles;

  • appreciate the central role that this core area of modern physics plays in our understanding of the world.

Content:

Time evolution, Schrödinger equation. Eigen-states, eigen-values. Wave function and state vector formulation. Symmetry, conservation laws, commutation relations, uncertainty relations. Angular momentum: orbital and spin. Electromagnetism in quantum mechanics, gauge transformations. Antisymmetry, Pauli exclusion principle. The hydrogen and helium atoms, atomic structure. Scattering theory. Approximation methods: perturbation theory; 1st order, 2nd order, degenerate, time independent and time dependent; variational methods.

Assessment:

A 3-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 mark.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Schwabl F, Quantum Mechanics, Springer.
    or
    Bransden B H and Joachain C J, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Longmans.
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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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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.