Quantum Mechanics

 

PHY 4203 Section 26368 (undergraduate students)

  The acquisition of a rigorous conceptual and operational familiarity with introductory quantum mechanics which allows students of diverse interest and background to have a better understanding of problems in many areas. Prerequisite(s): PHY 3104 and nine additional hours of Physics 3000 level or above, and MATH 3103.
 

PHY 5443   Section 26370 (graduate students)

  An introduction to the theory of quantum mechanics and its applications. Topics include the historical development of quantum mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and its applications, the theory of operators, the theory of angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, and perturbation theory. Prerequisite(s): PHY 3104, MATH 3103.
  Spring 2005 M-W  5:45 to 7:00 pm  HOH101
 

http://www.physics.uco.edu/~chughes/Courses/QM/index.html

 

Text:

 

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Ed
David Griffiths
Prentice Hall

 

       
Instructor:
   

Dr. Charles Hughes
webpage: http://www.physics.uco.edu/~chughes/ 
email: chughes@uco.edu
Office: Howell Hall, Room 221E
Office Hours:
I'm usually around somewhere so feel free to come see me whenever you need help

     
Grades:
 

Homework

 40%

Midterm

 30%

Final Exam

 30%

100%

 
     
Homework:
 

Homework is where you develop the problem solving skills necessary to understand any area of physics. All assigned homework in this course must be completed and turned in on time. Homework is due one week after it has been assigned in class.   Additional time may be allowed to complete an assignment if arrangements are made with the course instructor ahead of time.  Without this prior okay, late problems will not be accepted.

 Please keep the following in mind as you work on homework problems:

  • You are strongly encouraged to work together on your homework assignments. You will find that you learn the material more quickly while developing a deeper understanding by working with two or three colleagues.  This does not mean that you copy someone else's work, however.  Since the place where you demonstrate how well you can set up and solve introductory physics problems is on your exams, you should work toward being able to do the problems independently.  Your study partners (and your instructor) are there to help you get through those points that you do not understand. 
  • Check your answers and method of solution with as many of your classmates as you can.  If there is a discrepancy between your solution and theirs, see if you can figure out where the problem is.  If you cannot figure out who is right and who is wrong, or if you still don’t feel comfortable with your approach to the problem, see your instructor right away.
  • Solving physics problems, like everything else, takes a lot of practiceMake sure you can spend the time necessary to do well in the course. 

Keep up with the material on a day-to-day basis. If there is something that you do not understand, ask your study partners or your instructor immediately. Letting a topic slide for a few days is a prescription for failure. DON'T GET BEHIND

     
Maple:
  The symbolic computing software Maple 9.5 will be used throughout the course. This software is currently available in our computer lab (HOH153) and on several machines in the math department. Should you wish to obtain your own copy of the software (useful in numerous other courses as well as this one), I will provide you with an information sheet describing how to purchase the software for $75 through a special license with Waterloo Maple Software.
     
Outline:
 

Chapter

 
    Theory

1

 

The Wave Function.

2

 

Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation.

3

 

Formalism.

4

 

Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions.

5

 

Identical Particles.

    Applications

6

 

Time-Independent Perturbation Theory.

 7

 

The Variational Principle.

8

 

The WKB Approximation.

9

 

 Time Dependent Perturbation Theory.

10

 

The Adiabatic Approximation.

11

 

Scattering.

12

 

Afterword.

FINAL

Wednesday, May 4, 5:30-7:20 pm

     
Attendance:
 

I expect you to be in class. Excessive absences will result in your grade being lowered. If you do happen to miss a day, you are responsible for getting the notes and assignments from someone else in the class.

     
Attachment:
  The UCO student information sheet and attachment can be found at:
http://www.busn.uco.edu/academicaffairs/FORMS/Student%20Information%20SheetSPR05.pdf
This document contains information about withdrawing from courses, too many finals on the same day, incompletes, and a lot of other information pertaining to students enrolled in any course at UCO. (PDF file - you'll need Acrobat Reader)
     
   
    Last updated December 2004
UCO Physics Home Page
UCO Home Page