Fall 2020 - PHYS 385 D100

Quantum Mechanics I (3)

Class Number: 1034

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 252 or 254; PHYS 285 or ENSC 380 or CHEM 260. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 260 or MATH 310; PHYS 211.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Wave mechanics and the Schroedinger equation, the harmonic oscillator, introduction to Dirac notation, angular momentum and spin, the hydrogen atom, atomic structure, time-independent perturbation theory, atomic spectra, and applications. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics:

1. The Stern-Gerlach experiments and the spin of electron
2. Rotations and matrix mechanics: operators, eigenvalues, eigenstates
3. Angular momentum eigenstates using ladder operators
4. Commutators, and the uncertainty relations
5. Time evolution and the Schrödinger equation, spin precession, magnetic resonance
6. Two spin-1/2 particles, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality
7. Entanglement, quantum teleportation
8. Wave mechanics in one dimension: coordinate and momentum basis
9. Solutions to Schrödinger equation in 1D: free particle, particle in a box, scattering
10. Harmonic oscillator, coherent states

Course delivery:
Lectures: synchronous with recordings
Tutorials: synchronous without recordings
In-class quizterms: synchronous
Final exam: synchronous 

Expectation for participation:
Lectures (3 hours/week): optional, but strongly recommended
Tutorials (1 hour/week): optional, but strongly recommended
In-class quizterms: mandatory; dates: TBA
Final exam: mandatory, date TBA (Final exam period is Dec 9 -20)

Grading

  • Homework 40%
  • Three Quizterms + Final Exam (best 3 out of 4) 60%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required book:
"A modern approach to quantum mechanics" by John. S. Townsend, 2nd Edition

*Students can purchase text from online retailer if e-book not available at SFU bookstore.

Required resources:
• reliable high-speed internet access
• computer or tablet with webcam and microphone
• smartphone with camera (ability to take images and upload them)

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, before the end of the first week of classes.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).