MODULE TITLE

Quantum Mechanics II

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHYM002

MODULE CONVENER

Dr A.V. Shytov

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

49

WEEKS

T1:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

The module covers a range of more advanced topics leading to the discussion of quantum transitions and non-relativistic scattering. Much of physics concerns manifestations of the electromagnetic interaction which is susceptible to perturbation techniques. The methods outlined in the module are applicable to many situations in condensed matter and nuclear physics enabling useful and informative solutions to be obtained to non-exactly-soluble problems without resort to numerical methods.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to build upon the foundations laid in PHY2022 Quantum Mechanics I and develop the students' grasp of quantum mechanics - particularly its formalism and applications - to the point where they will be able to engage with contemporary research literature.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. formulate, and evaluate, the solutions to a variety of perturbed quantum mechanical systems;
  2. calculate energy shifts, transition probabilities (and rates) and cross-sections;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. use matrix concepts to solve QM problems;
  2. use mathematics to solve problems;
  3. present and defend their solutions to problems to the group;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. undertake co-operative learning by discussing the contents of the module amongst themselves;
  2. make informal presentations of technical material;
  3. work independently in order to meet deadlines.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. Heisenberg's Approach to Quantum Mechanics
    1. Matrix elements for a quantum harmonic oscillator and a quantum rotor
    2. Electron spin and Pauli matrices
    3. Quantum particle in a double-well potential as a two-level system
  2. Time-Independent Perturbation Theory
    1. Formulae for energy shifts to the first and second order
  3. Atoms in External Fields
    1. Normal and anomalous Stark effect
    2. Spin-orbit interaction, normal and anomalous Zeeman effect
  4. Few-Particle Systems
    1. Bose and Fermi particles, the Pauli principle
    2. Two-electron system: spin addition and exchange interaction
  5. Structure of Many-Electron Atoms
    1. Electron shells
    2. Hund's rules,
    3. The role of spin-orbit interaction
    4. LS coupling scheme.
    5. Zeeman effect in many-electron atoms
    6. Hyperfine structure of atomic spectra.
  6. Molecules
    1. Heitler-London theory
    2. Structure of molecular spectra
  7. Quantum Transitions
    1. Perturbation theory
    2. Rabi oscillations
    3. Fermi's golden rule formula.
    4. The ammonia maser
    5. Rate of spontaneous emission.
  8. Quantum Scattering
    1. Born approximation.
    2. Scattering of electrons in graphene

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

25 hours

Guided independent study  

125 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

20 hours

20×1-hour lectures

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

2 hours

2×1-hour problems/revision classes

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

3×1-hour tutorials

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

16 hours

4×4-hour problem sets

Guided independent study

79 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-8

Discussion in tutorials

4 × Problems sets

4 hours per set

1-8

Solutions discussed in problems classes.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

0%

Written exams

100%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Final Examination

100%

2 hours 30 minutes

1-8

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

Whole module

Written examination (100%)

1-8

August/September assessment period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2022) and Mathematics with Physical Applications (PHY2025)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

7

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

29-Sep-14

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Dirac notation; Energy; Eigenvalues; Eigenstates; Helium Atom; Observables; Particles; Perturbation theory; Quantum mechanics; Schrödinger equation; Scattering theory; Time; Waves.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011