Quantum Physics I
First of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive treatment of the principles and applications of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. This semester focuses on basic principles. Topics covered include: historical development of quantum mechanics; the uncertainty principle; the Schrodinger equation and its solution for simple one-dimensional potentials, including constant potentials and the harmonic oscillator; formal presentation of the postulates of quantum mechanics using Dirac notation; commutation relations; basic scattering theory; formulation of Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, central potentials, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom; spin angular momentum and the addition of angular momenta.
Topics
- historical development of quantum mechanics
- the uncertainty principle
- the Schrodinger equation and its solution for simple one-dimensional potentials
- including constant potentials and the harmonic oscillator
- formal presentation of the postulates of quantum mechanics using Dirac notation
- commutation relations
- basic scattering theory
- formulation of Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions
- central potentials
- orbital angular momentum
- and the hydrogen atom
- spin angular momentum and the addition of angular momenta
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027