FY547: Quantum mechanics II

The Study Board for Science

Teaching language: Danish or English depending on the teacher
EKA: N500049112, N500049102
Assessment: Second examiner: None, Second examiner: External
Grading: Pass/Fail, 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Spring
Level: Bachelor

STADS ID (UVA): N500049101
ECTS value: 5

Date of Approval: 05-10-2022


Duration: 1 semester

Version: Archive

Comment


Entry requirements

None

Academic preconditions

Knowledge of Calculus, Linear algebra and Fundamentals of physics is expected. FY521 / FY544 should be taken.

Course introduction

The aim of the course is to give the students a basic understanding of the quantum mechanical wave mechanics and its application to different physical phenomena supplemented by an introductory training in the mathematical formalism and problem solving.

The course gives an academic basis for further studies in quantum physics, as well as other topics such as particle physics and solid state physics, that are placed later in the education. The course is the continuation of FY544.

In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:

  • support development of formulating physical problems in terms of physical principles using mathematical tools and solve them
  • support knowledge acquisition and improved understanding of quantum mechanics
  • support learning process to understand how scientific knowledge is obtained by the interplay between theory and experiment

Applications:
Quantum mechanics forms the very basis of many modern technologies and innovations such as lasers, solar cells, LEDs, and clean energy. Progress and understanding of basic quantum mechanical aspects contributes to innovation in academia and industry. Lasers are used in many technologies including many medical applications, e.g. to assist or minimize risk in surgical procedures. Solar cells are a clean source of energy and LEDs are the most energy efficient light source available, which contributes to reducing global power consumption.

Expected learning outcome

The learning objectives of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:

  • apply different analytical methods to characterize simple quantum systems
  • use different abstract formulations of quantum mechanics
  • work with angular momentum
  • perform perturbation calculations

Content

The following main topics are contained in the course:
  • Analytic solution of the harmonic oscillator using ladder operators
  • The formalism of quantum mechanics
  • The theory of angular momentum
  • Time-independent perturbation theory
  • Time-dependent perturbation theory
  • Variational calculations
  • Uncertainty principle

Literature

D. J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 3th edition, Cambridge. 
See itslearning for syllabus lists and additional literature references.

Examination regulations

Prerequisites for participating in the exam element a)

Timing

Spring

Tests

Presentation of an exercise during the tutorials

EKA

N500049112

Assessment

Second examiner: None

Grading

Pass/Fail

Identification

Full name and SDU username

Language

Normally, the same as teaching language

Examination aids

To be announced during the course

ECTS value

0

Additional information

The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a)

Exam element a)

Timing

June

Prerequisites

Type Prerequisite name Prerequisite course
Examination part Prerequisites for participating in the exam element a) N500049101, FY547: Quantum mechanics II

Tests

Written exam

EKA

N500049102

Assessment

Second examiner: External

Grading

7-point grading scale

Identification

Student Identification Card - Exam number

Language

Normally, the same as teaching language

Duration

5 hours

Examination aids

All common aids are allowed e.g. books, notes and computer programmes which do not use internet etc. 

Internet is not allowed during the exam. However, you may visit the course site in itslearning to open system "DE-Digital Exam". If you wish to use course materials from itslearning, you must download the materials to your computer no later than the day before the exam. 

ECTS value

5

Additional information

The re-examination will be oral with internal co-examination if the number of students is seven or less.

Indicative number of lessons

42 hours per semester

Teaching Method

At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model, i.e. intro, training and study phase.
The attendance classes of the course are distributed as follows:

  • Intro phase (lectures): 18 hours
  • Training phase: 24 hours, including 14 hours tutorial classes and 10 hours group work

The introduction phase consists of lectures, in which the core topics of the course are presented, and a particular focus is placed on mathematical derivations along with reflection on the quantum mechanical insights following from the mathematics.

The training phase is aimed at building the students’ competencies through problem solving and presentations. In the tutorial classes, the students present problem solutions to their peers, and in the group work classes, they work independently on problem solving using both pen and paper and computational tools. The training phase is carried out under the supervision of an instructor.

In the study phase, the students are expected to study the text book and other materials on their own and to catch up with exercises from the training phase as needed.

Teacher responsible

Name E-mail Department
Francesco Sannino sannino@cp3.sdu.dk Fysik
Joel Cox cox@mci.sdu.dk Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA)

Timetable

Administrative Unit

Fysik, kemi og Farmaci

Team at Educational Law & Registration

NAT

Offered in

Odense

Recommended course of study

Profile Education Semester Offer period

Transition rules

Transitional arrangements describe how a course replaces another course when changes are made to the course of study. 
If a transitional arrangement has been made for a course, it will be stated in the list. 
See transitional arrangements for all courses at the Faculty of Science.