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2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3382 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

15 creditsClass Size: 57

Module manager: Prof. Jiannis Pachos
Email: J.K.Pachos@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jan (adv yr) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 Physics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS 3381 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:
- define the rules of quantum mechanics;
- solve Schrodinger'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 of Dirac formalism;
- 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.

Syllabus

Revision of the basic postulates of quantum mechanics. The solution of Schroedinger's equation when separated using Cartesian coordinates combining the confinement of electrons in infinite wells with period boundary conditions. Introduction of creation and annihilation operators to solve the harmonic oscillator. This leads to a description of Landau levels for charged particles in a magnetic field. Description of the Integer Quantum Hall effect. The variational method for solving difficult problems with various worked examples. Time dependent and time independent perturbation theory. Matrix mechanics leading to the description of spin states, the Pauli spin matrices and the Dirac formalism.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

3 sets of marked homework: 30 hours;
Revision and reading: 98 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

3 assignments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Mid-Term Assessment	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Students will have to complete an online assessment at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. The assessment will not take 48 hours to complete, but students will have a 48 hour time period in which to complete it. Students must submit a reasonable attempt at all assessments for this module to pass this module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 05/02/2021

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