2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3381 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Professor G J Morgan
Email: G.J.Morgan@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

Pre-requisites

PHYS2042, PHYS2160, PHYS2170 or equivalents

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:
- define the rules of quantum mechanics;
- solve Schrödinger's equation when separable in Cartesian coordinates for a variety of situations including that of an electron in a magnetic field;
- derive the results of lowest order time independent and time dependent perturbation theory and apply the results to simple physical situations;
- describe the principles of the variational method and apply the method to simple physical problems;
- describe and derive the methods of matrix mechanics and some numerical methods for solving the matrix equations;
- discuss the description of electron spin in terms of Pauli spin matrices and solve simple associated problems.

Skills outcomes
The ability to use quantum mechanics in different scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) and apply the same mathematics in other fields.The ability to use quantum mechanics in different scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) and apply the same mathematics in other fields.

Syllabus

Revision of the basic postulates of quantum mechanics. The solution of Schrödinger's equation when separated using Cartesian coordinates combining the confinement of electrons in infinite wells with simple harmonic oscillations and period boundary conditions. This leads to a description of Landau levels for charged particles in a magnetic field. The variational method for solving difficult problems with various worked examples. Matrix mechanics leading to the description of spin states and the Pauli spin matrices. Time dependent and time independent perturbation theory.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 22 hours.

Private study

3 sets of marked homework: 30 hours;
Revision and reading: 48 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

3 assignments.

Methods of assessment

1 x 2 hour written examination at the end of the semester: 85%;
3 marked exercises: 15%.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/04/2005

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