Course - Introduction to Quantum Physics - TFY4215
TFY4215
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.
Introduction to Quantum Physics
Choose study year
Credits
7.5
Level
Intermediate course, level II
Course start
Autumn 2024
Duration
1 semester
Language of instruction
English
Location
Trondheim
Examination arrangement
School exam
About
About the course
Course content
Introduction to quantum mechanics. The Schrödinger equation. Quantum mechanical postulates. Particle in a box and potential well. Harmonic oscillator. Scattering in one dimension, tunnel effect. Angular momentum. The hydrogen atom. Spin. Atoms and molecules.
Learning outcome
The student is supposed to:
- know the main features of the historical development of quantum mechanics,
- master central concepts like operators, eigenfunctions, eigenvalues, and the Schrödinger equation, and know the role of these in quantum mechanics,
- learn how this theory can be formulated in terms of a set of basic postulates and a number of central theorems, where notions like expansion in terms of eigenstates, stationary and non-stationary states, and compatible and non-compatible observables play central roles,
- learn how to apply this formalism, first to simple one-dimensional systems like potential wells, the harmonic oscillator and scattering in one dimension, later to three-dimensional systems, in particular the oscillator and the Hydrogen atom,
- obtain basic knowledge about spin and effects of an external magnetic field,
- know the consequences of the Pauli principle.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and exercises. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.
Further on evaluation
A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.
Recommended previous knowledge
Fundamental knowledge of mechanics including waves, and electromagnetism. Mathematics 1, 2, 3, or similar.
Course materials
P. C. Hemmer: Kvantemekanikk, Tapir, 2000. (In Norwegian). D. J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd or 3rd edition. B.H. Bransden & C.J. Joachain: Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2000. Lecture notes.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIF4048 | 7.5 sp | |
| FY1006 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2008 |
| FY6024 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2021 |
Subject areas
- Physics
- Technological subjects