Fall 2025 - PHYS 385 D100
Quantum II (3)
Class Number: 5005
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Daria Ahrensmeier
dahrensm@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
MATH 251; MATH 260; PHYS 255 or ENSC 380; PHYS 285 or CHEM 260. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 211.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Stern-Gerlach experiments and the structure of quantum mechanics; operators; angular momentum and spin; Schrödinger equation and examples for time evolution; systems of two spin-½ particles; density operators; wave mechanics in one dimension including the double slit experiment, particle in a box, scattering in one dimension, tunnelling; one-dimensional harmonic oscillator; coherent states. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Topics:
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
Grading
- Homework 30%
- Exams 70%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required book:
"A modern approach to quantum mechanics" by John. S. Townsend, 2nd Edition
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.