Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS*3230)
Code and section: PHYS*3230*01
Term: Fall 2010
Instructor: Don Sullivan
Details
Course Information
Instruction
| Lecturer | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.E. Sullivan | MacN 435A | 519-824-4120 x53983 | sullivan@uoguelph.ca |
Course Materials
Textbook
- D.J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd ed.)
Evaluation
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Assignments | 35% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
Course Topics
- Background: problems with classical physics. Introduction to quantum waves, de Broglie relation. Wave function and Schrödinger equation. Statistical interpretation of the wave function.
- Operators and expectation values. Solutions of the Schrödinger equation for onedimensional systems: free particles and wave packets; finite and infinite potential wells; bound states and quantization; scattering states; potential barrier, reflection and transmission, tunneling; harmonic oscillator.
- Mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. Observables and Hermitian operators. Eigenvalue-eigenfunction problems. Uncertainty principle. Dirac notation. Operator treatment of the harmonic oscillator.
- Three-dimensional quantum mechanics. Coulomb potential and the hydrogen atom. Angular momentum. Spin.
Course Policies
Medical Certificate
Not generally required. However, if you miss an exam (midterm or final), you should see your College Counsellor and get a note from him/her.
Course Assessment
The Department of Physics requires student assessment of all courses taught by the Department. These assessments provide essential feedback to faculty on their teaching by identifying both strengths and possible areas of improvement. In addition, annual student assessment of teaching provides part of the information used by the Department Tenure and Promotion Committee in evaluating the faculty member's contribution in the area of teaching.
The Department's teaching evaluation questionnaire invites student response both through numerically quantifiable data, and written student comments. In conformity with University of Guelph Faculty Policy, the Department Tenure and Promotions Committee only considers comments signed by students
(choosing "I agree" in question 14). Your instructor will see all signed and unsigned comments after final grades are submitted. Written student comments may also be used in support of a nomination for internal and external teaching awards.
NOTE: No information will be passed on to the instructor until after the final grades have been submitted.