PHYS3009

PHYS3009: Quantum Mechanics

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Which units require PHYS3009?

PHYS3009 is a prerequisite for 3 units.

What is PHYS3009 about?

In this unit, students learn the basics of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. The unit starts by introducing the concept of the wave function, its interpretation, the Schrödinger equation and covers the topics of potential wells, potential barriers and quantum harmonic oscillator. Then a more formal approach to quantum mechanics is taken by introducing the postulates of quantum mechanics, quantum operators, Hilbert space, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and Dirac notation. Next the unit considers topics covering the hydrogen atom, angular momentum, spin, the addition of angular momenta, and some basic aspects of many-body quantum mechanics, such as a system of identical particles and electron orbitals in atoms. The unit ends with the variational principle and its application to the helium atom and the hydrogen molecule.

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Unit details

Credits25

Contact Hours6 Weekly

Result TypeGrade/Mark

AreaSchool of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS) (1153)

Field of Education010301 Physics

Handbook View Official Handbook Page →

How this unit is taught

Computer Laboratory1 x 2 hours weekly
Lecture1 x 2 hours weekly
Workshop1 x 2 hours weekly

Prerequisites

PrerequisitesSelect One

PHYS2006Classical Mechanics and Quantum Physics
PHYS2003Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism