- UCAS course code
- F305
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Unit code | PHYS40202 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Lagrangian Dynamics | PHYS20401 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Mathematical Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics | PHYS30201 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Electrodynamics (M) | PHYS30441 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Follow - Up Units
PHYS40481 - Quantum Field Theory
PHYS40682 - Gauge Theories
Aims
1. To enhance knowledge and understanding of Quantum Mechanics.
2. To prepare students for Quantum Field Theory, Gauge Theories and other related courses.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
1. Find the unitary transformations linked to symmetry operations.
2. Apply time-dependent perturbation theory to variety of problems.
3. Derive a mathematical description of quantum motion in electromagnetic fields.
4. Apply the relativistic wave equations to simple single-particle problems.
Syllabus
1. Symmetries in quantum mechanics
Rotations, space-time reflections and parity
Unitary operators for space and time translations
Conversation laws
Schrödinger vs Heisenberg picture
2. Time-dependent perturbation theory
Fermi's Golden Rule
Selection rules for atomic transitions
Emission and absorption of radiation
Finite width of excited state
Selection rules for hydrogen
3. Coupling to E&M fields
Minimal coupling
Landau levels
The Gauge Principle in Quantum Mechanics
The Pauli-Schrödinger equation
4. Relativistic wave equations
The Klein-Gordon equation
The Dirac equations
Chirality and helicity
Lorentz invariance and the non-relativistic limit
The hydrogen atom and fine structure
Graphene
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be provided via solutions to the problem sheets, which will be made available electronically on Blackboard. More detailed feedback will be provided through examples classes which are integrated within the 24 lectures.
Recommended reading
There is no single book that covers all the material in the course. The following books represent a basic choice:
Shankar R., Principles of Quantum Mechanics 2nd ed, 3rd printing (Springer, 2008)
Atkinson I.J.R. and Hey, A.J.G. Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, Vol 1 (IoP, 2003)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Ahsan Nazir | Unit coordinator |