FY521: Introductory quantum mechanics I (5 ECTS)

STADS: 07003801

Level
Bachelor course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the spring semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: mlomholt@sdu.dk

Additional teachers
Ilia@sdu.dk

Timetable
Group Type Day Time Classroom Weeks Comment
Common I Wednesday 10-12 U147 06-07,10-12
Common I Wednesday 09-11 U146 08
Common I Wednesday 10-12 U155 13
H1 TE Monday 14-16 U146 06-08,10
H1 TE Monday 16-18 U146 11
H1 TE Monday 16-18 U155 13
H1 TE Thursday 10-12 U146 12
H1 TE Friday 10-12 White Lab 06-08,10-13
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Comment:
Samlæses med 1.del af FY507.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Students from the Faculty of Science: first year passed. If the course FF505 Computational science has not been followed then KE529 Mathematical methods in chemistry and nanoscience should have been followed.

Students from the Faculty of Engineering: Previous knowledge of physics and mathematics equivalent to the above.

Course introduction
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.

Expected learning outcome
After completing the course the student is expected to be able to: 

  1. qualitatively explain how the wave function of a stationary state depends on the energy of the particle and the form of the potential
  2. solve the Schrödinger equation for simple one-dimensional cases, both analytically and numerically
  3. explain the energy spectrum of the infinite well, the harmonic oscillator, and the Hydrogen atom and know the form of the associated wave functions 
  4. calculate particle reflection and transmission
  5. understand how band structure emerges in one-dimensional periodic potentials.
Subject overview
  1. Schrödinger equation
  2. Wave function and its probability interpretation
  3. Characterising the wave functions of the stationary states and the energy
  4. 
Specific 1D systems (potentials),
    • infinite square well
    • finite square well
    • harmonic oscillator
    • free particle
  5. Superposition principle
  6. Spherically symmetric systems
  7. The Hydrogen atom
  8. Periodic potentials 
  9. Scattering in 1D 
  10. Tunnel Effect
Literature
  • David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd edition, Pearson Education International.


Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
An oral exam with internal marking. Marks according to the Danish 7-point marking scale. The examination is based on assignments that have to be handed in during the course.

Reexamination in the same exam period or immediately thereafter. The mode of exam at the re-examination may differ from the mode of exam at the ordinary exam.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 14 hours
Skills training phase: 28 hours, hereof:
 - Tutorials: 14 hours
 - Laboratory exercises: 14 hours

Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in Danish or English, depending on the lecturer.

Remarks
The course is based on assignment solving that is an integrated part of the teaching. Lectures are given when needed. Computer exercises are used as an “experimental” tool for investigating quantum systems. The course focuses on the understanding of the basic principles, interpretation of quantum behaviour, and its use to practical problems.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.