PHY3201 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

1999-2000

Code: PHY3201
Title: Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Instructors: Staff of Foreign Host Institution
HE credits: 15
ECTS credits: 7.5
Availability: programmes F3Q4 and F3QK only
Level: 3
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Background Assumed: Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2202)
Duration: Fall or Spring semester
Directed Study: 45 lectures (approx)
Private Study: 105 hours (approx)
Supports Programme Aims: 1, 5, 6 and 12
Supports Programme Objectives: none

Assessment Methods

Mid-semester papers (1 hr) and a final examination (3 hrs)

Rationale

Physicists require a sound grasp of modern quantum principles and techniques and their application to atomic and molecular systems, with an appreciation of the resulting quantum properties.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• describe the formal principles of quantum mechanics and apply these to some relatively simple atomic systems;
• describe general methods for solving atomic systems with emphasis on the significant quantum properties;
• use perturbation methods to analyse more complex situations.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures and problems sessions

Transferable Skills

Techniques of quantum mechanics

Assignments

Follow host institution's conventions

Module Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Reading

Not applicable

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Observables, quantum operators and their properties
2. Angular momentum
   1. Hydrogen atom
   2. Magnetic moment of atoms
   3. Electron spin
3. Many-particle systems
4. Atomic structure, magnetic effects
5. Perturbation theory
   1. Time-independent perturbation theory
   2. Time-dependent perturbation theory; quantum transitions
   3. Two-electron systems, exchange interaction molecular binding

Recommended Module and Text in North America

Host Institution	Module	Text
Central Michigan	442 (Fall)	R G Winter, Quantum Physics
Iowa State
Kansas	711 (Fall)	R Shankar, Principles of Quantum Mechanics
New Mexico	492 (Spring) [Prerequisite 491]	R L Liboff, Introductory Quantum Mechanics (2nd ed.)

Feedback to Students

Follows host institution's conventions

Feedback from Students

In addition to using the host institution's systems, students can raise any matters of concern with the American Study Programme Co-ordinator.