Physics 545: Introduction to Atomic Structure

This course is an introduction to:

• The structure and properties of atoms

• Nuclear atom

• Hydrogen atom

• Bohr/deBroglie model

• Electron spin

• Quantum theory

• Lamb shifts

• Fine and hyperfine structure

• External fields.

• Many electron atoms

• Central field

• Pauli principle

• Multiplets

• Periodic table

• X-ray spectra

• Vector coupling

• Systematics of ground states

• Interaction of atoms with light

This course is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in astronomy, chemistry, engineering, and physics who desire or need a good understanding of the properties of atoms.

The course assumes a basic understanding of quantum theory, though many aspects of it will be reviewed in the course.

Coursework
Typical coursework includes homework assignments, two hour exams, and a research paper.

Text
The text often used is Elementary Atomic Structure, by Woodgate. 

Recent instructors
Lawler, Anderson, Lin.