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Research School of Physics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
Quantum mechanics (along with General Relativity) is one of the two foundational theories on which modern physics rests. PHYS2013 introduces the basic theoretical concepts and formalism, including the wave mechanics developed by Schroedinger and others and some aspects of the matrix formalism first developed by Heisenberg. The course starts with an overview of the historical evidence that led to the development of a quantum theory of matter and light. This is followed by an introduction to the key elements of quantum mechanics, including the statistical interpretation of wave functions, the role of operators and their connection with observables, and uncertainty. These concepts are initially introduced and reinforced through relatively simple problems with analytic solutions, but computational solutions are also examined where appropriate. PHYS2013 provides the foundations for further studies of, for example, atomic and nuclear spectroscopy, elementary particle physics and solid state physics as well as more advanced quantum mechanics. It is thus a core course in that it provides the background needed for several courses offered at third year. There is a small laboratory component (shared with PHYS2020). Honours Pathway Option This course is offered as an advanced option. The HPO/ASE for this course is a research assignment in the rapidly evolving area of non-Hermitian physics. You will be working on a familiar quantum system of a particle in an infinite square well but with gain or loss. In addition to analytical work, you will also learn a few numerical techniques in MATLAB to solve the problems. The HPO/ASE will count toward 25% of your mark, the rest of the assessment will be weighted at 75%. To opt in to the HPO, students should sign up via the course Wattle page. Students who do not submit the assignment will be considered as opting out of the HPO.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - weekly
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Assignments (best 6 of 8)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Workshop quizzes - weekly
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Final Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
2nd year lab program: 2 x experiments, Poster summary and Lab report (hurdle requirement)
Learning outcomes 7
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which will consist of 1 x 1 hour and 1 x 2 hour workshop per week. 12 hours of labs scheduled over the semester. - Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include listening/viewing the online lectures, preparation for the weekly online lectures, workshops/labs and other assessment tasks. PHYS2013 (2nd year Quantum Mechanics) now follows the ‘flipped classroom’ model, that is, there are no lectures but instead short videos that convey the course content. After each of these videos there are a serious of multiple choice (MC) questions which are intended to test your understanding of the video content. In this course you will learn how to perform calculations in quantum mechanics. This is best done in a weekly 2hr ‘workshop’ environment. A typical workshop consists of a problem sheet that is based on concepts of the weekly videos that the whole class works through. Discussion with other students at your table, about the problems, is encouraged, however, the real strength of the workshop is the student’s access to experienced tutors/lecturer (about 15 students per tutor for this course). These tutors will walk round the workshop answering questions about the problems and any other questions the student might have about the course. Towards the end of each workshop, there will be an assessable quiz. Attendance at the weekly workshop is compulsory. For 1 hour each week I will meet with the class and discuss concepts in QM. Since this is the combination of a lecture and a tute, I call this a Lute . The main reason for this hour is for discussion of the assignment problems (hints not direct answers) as well as other similar problems. There are also 12 hours of lab over the semester.
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