- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Early clearing information
This course may be available through clearing for home and international applicants
If you already have your exam results, meet the entry requirements, and are not holding an offer from a university or college, then you may be able to apply to this course.
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Master of Physics (MPhys)
MPhys Physics with Astrophysics
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Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F3FA / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
| Unit code | PHYS20101 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 | PHYS10071 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Dynamics | PHYS10101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Mathematics of Waves and Fields | PHYS20171 | Co-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
To introduce the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics that are needed to understand atomic physics.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
- Understand how quantum states are described by wave functions.
- Deal with operators and solve eigenvalue problems in quantum mechanics.
- Solve the Schrodinger equation and describe the properties of the simple harmonic oscillator.
- Deal with algebra of angular momentum operators and solve the simple eigenvalue problems of an angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
- Use quantum mechanics to describe the hydrogen atom.
- Use quantum mechanics to describe the properties of one-electron at
Syllabus
Basic Elements of Quantum Mechanics
Time dependent Schrödinger equation and time evolution. (2 lectures)
Commutators and compatibility
Operators and quantum states, commutation relations and compatibility of different observables.
(2 lectures)
The Harmonic Oscillator
Stationary states, energy levels of simple harmonic oscillator, vibrational states of a diatomic molecule (2 lectures)
Orbital angular momentum
Particle in two dimensions (eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of Lz), particle in three dimensions (eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of L2 and Lz), rotational states of a diatomic molecule.
(4 lectures)
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 10% |
| Written exam | 90% |
10% Tutorial Work/attendance
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by tutors on students’ written solutions to weekly example sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Phillips, A.C. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Wiley)
French, A.P. & Taylor, E.F. An Introduction to Quantum Physics (Thomas Nelson)
For general background reading:
ed. Manners, J. Quantum Physics: an Introduction (IOP in association with the Open University)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 22 |
| Tutorials | 4 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 72.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Thomas Elliott | Unit coordinator |
| Anna Scaife | Unit coordinator |