Physics 448 Information and Syllabus
Fall 2011
Atomic and Quantum Physics
Description: First semester of a two-semester senior course.
Review of atomic and other quantum phenomena and special relativity; introduction
to quantum mechanics treating the more advanced topics of atomic physics and
applications to molecular, solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle
physics and quantum statistics. Experiments underlying this course are covered
in Physics 407.
Prerequisites: Physics 205, 241, or 244, and Physics 311 and 322. Not open to those who have had Physics 531
Instructor: Thad Walker, 5322 Chamberlin, 262-4093, tgwalker@wisc.edu
Lectures: MWF 8:50, CHAMBERLIN 2241
Office Hours: MWF 7:45-8:30, TTh
8:30am--9:30am. Some days I may not be available. If
you come by during office hours and I am not there, leave a note under the door
and send me an email. I will make every effort to meet with you at the first
opportunity.
Text: Quantum Mechanics by Basvedant & Dalibard. There are many good introductory quantum mechanics texts you might find helpful as well. These include Modern Quantum Mechanics by Sakurai, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths, and Lectures on Quantum Mechanics by Baym, all of which are on reserve in the physics library. There will also be some handout supplements that will appear on the web page.
Required supplemental material: Mathematica.
Computation is an important skill for any scientist to master. Mathematica is a
particularly powerful tool for algrebra, simulation,
and graphics. I encourage you to use it
for your homework and there will be some work that will be required to do using
Mathematica. A
student version is available at DOIT for $25, and it also available for your
use on the physics library computers.
Grading: The final grade will be determined from a
weighting of the three components listed below. The total homework score and
each of the exam scores will be curved to a
80(A)-70(AB)-60(B)-50(BC)-40(C)-20(D) scale before a final grade judgement is made.
Homework: 25% of grade. Homework assignments will typically
be due on Friday afternoons at 5:00, turned into the 448 slot
next to Rennenbaum auditorium near our classroom.
Late homework is not accepted. Just do it. The lowest homework score will be
dropped. Each homework problem is worth 0-3 points and will be graded according
to the following scale:
Pts |
Description |
0 |
Garbage |
1 |
Tried but little progress |
2 |
On the right path but significant errors |
3 |
Correct or only minor errors |
Historically, students
who neglect their homework are at the greatest risk for low exam scores.
I strongly urge you to work together in small groups, but the work you hand in
should be your own. My solutions will be posted on the web page.
Exams: 2 50 minute exams, 40%
of grade. Expected exam
dates are given below.
Final Exam: 35% of grade. Comprehensive. Time and Locations are given
TBA.
Web Page: http://www.physics.wisc.edu/undergrads/courses/fall2011/448/
Your source for homework assignments, solutions, etc.
Approximate
Schedule:
Topic |
Basdevant & Dalibard Chapter |
|
Basic
Quantum Phenomena |
1,
Chapters from intro text |
October 14 |
Matter
Waves |
2 |
|
Quantum
Measurement |
3 |
|
Energy
Quantization |
4 |
|
General
Quantum Theory |
5 |
|
Ammonia
Maser |
6 |
November 18 |
More
General Theory |
7 |
|
Stern-Gerlach Expt. |
8 |
|
Approximation
Methods |
9 |
|
Angular Momentum
I |
10 |
|
Simple
Atomic Theory |
11 |
on
Final |
Magnetic
Resonance |
12 |
|
Angular
Momentum II |
13 |