Quantum Mechanics

Catalog description

Undergraduate introduction to the formalism of modern quantum theory. The course begins with a discussion of two-level systems to introduce the concepts of Hilbert space and Dirac notation. Fundamentals of quantum probability and measurement are introduced through the matrix representation. Schroedinger wave mechanics are reviewed in the context of Hilbert spaces and applied to one-dimensional systems. Other course content includes the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, spin, and the hydrogen atom. Three hours of lecture and up to three hours of problems. Prerequisites: PHYS 374 with C or better, MATH 310 and MATH 314. Even fall.