Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS*3230)

Code and section: PHYS*3230*01

Term: Fall 2016

Instructor: Vladimir Ladizhansky

Details

Course Information

Instructor Information

Lecturer Office Extension Email
Vlad Ladizhansky Summerlee Science Complex 1251 53989 vladizha@uoguelph.ca

Office Hours

Tue. 8:30 am - 10:00 am. However, don't be afraid to stop by my office and ask questions. It’s okay not to know.

Lectures and Tutorials

Lectures

Day Time Location
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. GRHM, Room 2310

Tutorials

Day Time Location
Mondays 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. GRHM, Room 2310

Final Exam: December 8, 2016, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Room TBA

Course Texts

  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, by D.J. Griffiths (Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2005);
  • Essential Mathematical Methods for Physicists, by H.J. Weber and G.B. Arfken (Elsevier Academic Press, 2004)

Evaluation

Note: You are required to attend lectures.

Assessment Weight
Assignments
Late submissions will be accepted if submitted within 1 day. Grade will be reduced by 20%
18%
Midterm 1, Date: October 21, 2:30-3:20 (in class) 18%
Midterm 2, Date: TBA 18%
Quizzes
Four best quizzes (out of five) will be used to compute the grade.
10%
Final Exam 36%

Course Topics

  1. Review of mathematical tools required for the course. Wave function, Schrodinger equation. Statistical interpretation of the wave function.
  2. One-dimensional quantum mechanics: Free particle and a wave packet, Finite and infinite potential wells, bound states and quantization; scattering states; Potential barrier tunneling, reflection and transmission; delta-potential.
  3. Mathematical formalism of Quantum Mechanics, Observables and Hermitian operators; eigenvalue- eigenfunction problem. Operators of position and momentum, and the uncertainty principle. Momentum representation. Dirac notations.
  4. One-dimensional quantum mechanics, continued: Kronig-Penney potential and energy band structure of solids. The harmonic oscillator. Ladder operators. Coherent states.
  5. Three-dimensional quantum mechanics: Coulomb potential and hydrogen atom; Angular momentum. If time allows: Symmetries and Conservation Laws in QM. Spin, identical particles. Exchange Interactions.

Course Policies

Medical Certificate

Not generally required. However, if you miss quiz or exam, you should see your College Counselor and get a note.

E-mail Communication

As per university regulations, all students are required to check their <uoguelph.ca> e-mail account regularly: e-mail is the official route of communication between the University and its students.

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or see the SAS website.

Academic misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University
community – faculty, staff, and students – to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring. University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection.

Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the Undergraduate Calendar.