Unit name | Quantum Mechanics |
---|---|
Unit code | MATH35500 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Linden |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
MATH20100 and MATH21900 |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Mathematics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Quantum mechanics forms the foundation of 20th century and present-day physics, and most contemporary disciplines, including atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, high-energy physics, quantum optics and quantum information theory, depend essentially upon it. Quantum mechanics is also the source and inspiration for various fields in mathematical physics and pure mathematics. The aim of the unit is to provide mathematics students with a thorough introduction to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, with emphasis on the mathematical structure of the theory. Additionally, in conjunction with other units, it should provide suitably able and inclined students with the necessary background for further study and research at the postgraduate level. Two relevant research fields, namely quantum chaos and quantum information theory are at present strongly represented in the Mathematics Department and in the Science Faculty as a whole.
Aims
The aim of the unit is to provide mathematics students with a thorough introduction to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, with emphasis on the mathematical structure of the theory.
syllabus
Relation to Other Units
This unit cannot be taken by students who have taken or are taking relevant physics units at either level 2 or level 3. For mathematics students, it is a prerequisite for the Level M unit Quantum Chaos and a useful preparation for the Level M unit Quantum Information Theory.
At the end of the unit the student should:
Transferable skills:
Expressing physical axioms mathematically and analysing their consequences.
Lectures, problem sheets
The assessment mark for Quantum Mechanics is calculated from a 2½-hour written examination in May/June consisting of FIVE questions. A candidate's best FOUR answers will be used for assessment. Calculators are NOT permitted for this examination.
Students may also find the following books interesting for further reading: