531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

This course provides formal introduction to quantum mechanics at undergraduate level.

Topics

• Historical Background
• Experimental Basis
• Schrodinger Equation
• Application of Wave Mechanics
• Bound-state problems
• Hydrogen atom
• Angular momentum
• Quantum statistics
• Perturbation theory and applications

Prerequisites
Physics 311 and 322, and a course in modern physics, or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
 

The course is not open to those who have had Physics 448.

Topics

• The course takes off from where classical principles fail and mysteries of quantum physics set in.
• The Schrodinger Wave Equation is introduced and one-dimensional model problems with potential barriers and the harmonic oscillator are solved.
• The bra-ket notation and operator formalism is introduced.
• Bound state problems in three dimensions
  • Hydrogen atom
  • Higher Z atoms
  • Molecules
  • Nuclei
  • Hadrons

• Orbital and spin angular momentum and quantum statistics is explored
• Perturbation theory and applications to bound states, scattering, and radiation problems are also studied.

Typical Texts
 S. Gasiorowicz, Quantum Physics, 2nd Edition.