- Department: Mathematics
- Module co-ordinator: Prof. Atsushi Higuchi
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2022-23
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Pre-requisite modules for Natural Sciences students:
OR
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Spring Term 2021-22 |
This module aims to expand students’ knowledge in quantum mechanics and enable them to apply the theory of quantum mechanics more widely through approximation methods. It also aims to enable them to appreciate the deeper mathematical structure of quantum mechanics and to provide the foundation for Quantum Field Theory in stage 4.
At the end of the module you should be able to :
Understand the role of symmetries played in quantum mechanical systems.
Be able to identify and use suitable approximation methods for energy eigenvalue problems in quantum mechanics that cannot be solved exactly.
Be able to calculate transition probabilities in simple time-dependent quantum systems.
Syllabus
The representations of the angular-momentum algebra (reminder); the spin angular momentum; the relationship between SU(2) and SO(3).
Symmetries in quantum mechanics: Stone’s theorem (without proof); the momentum and angular-momentum operators as generators of symmetries; discrete symmetries.
The time-evolution operator: the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures.
Approximation methods for the time-independent Schrödinger equation: time-independent perturbation theory; the variational method; the WKB approximation.
Time-dependent perturbation theory: the transition probability to first order.
Academic and graduate skills
Academic skills: students will develop their calculus and algebra skills further in the context of a theory essential in describing the physical world at the microscopic level.
Graduate skills: through lectures, problems classes and seminars, students will develop their ability to assimilate, process and engage with new material quickly and efficiently.They develop problem-solving skills and learn how to apply techniques to unseen problems.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Quantum Mechanics II |
2 hours | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Quantum Mechanics II |
2 hours | 100 |
Current Department policy on feedback is available in the undergraduate student handbook. Coursework and examinations will be marked and returned in accordance with this policy.
R Shankar, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Springer (U 0.123 SHA)
S Gasiorowicz, Quantum Physics (2nd edition), J. Wiley.
L I Schiff, Quantum Mechanics, McGraw-Hill (U 0.123 SCH)