Phys623: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
Fall 1995
Monday & Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Physics Building 1304
Instructor: Dr. Victor Yakovenko, Assistant Professor
Office: Physics 2314
Phone: (301)-405-6151
E-mail: yakovenk@glue.umd.edu
Office hours: Students can usually see me right
after each class. You can also make an appointment to see me - I am
in my office most of the time. I also encourage discussion by e-mail.
If a need arises, I will allocate specific office hours.
Purpose of the course is to make you proficient in
solving quantum-mechanical problems. This skill is indispensable to
every physicist. In practical terms, it will help you to pass
Ph. D. qualifying exam, which is devoted in half to quantum mechanics.
The course given in this semester is not a second part of another
course. It is oriented toward advanced students, who have certain
knowledge of quantum mechanics and need to master the subject in
accelerated manner.
- Topics to be covered (planned):
- Variational Method
- WKB Approximation
- Perturbation Theory
- Scattering
- Addition of Angular Momenta
- Identical Particles
- Atoms and Molecules
- Prerequisite topics:
- Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
- Simple Problems in One Dimension
- Harmonic Oscillator
- Angular Momentum
- Spin
- Hydrogen Atom
- Textbooks:
- R. Shankar "Principles of Quantum Mechanics", second
edition is required. It is available at the University Book
Center (UBC). Theoretical reading and home exercises will be assigned
from this textbook.
- I also recommend, but do not require several other textbooks in
which you may wish to look occasionally for a clarification or a topic
missing in Shankar.
- E. Mertzbacher "Quantum Mechanics" is a
"standard" with an old-fashioned presentation. Available at
UBC.
- J. J. Sakurai "Modern Quantum Mechanics"
includes modern topics, but is more algebraic, than differential.
Available at UBC.
- L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz "Quantum Mechanics
(Non-relativistic Theory)" is a classical reference,
indispensable to anybody who plans to specialize in theoretical
physics, especially in condensed matter. Available on reserve at EPSL
library.
- A. B. Migdal "Qualitative Methods in Quantum Theory"
describes approximate methods of solving quantum-mechanical
problems in various cases. Available on reserve at EPSL
library.
Homework will be given no less than a week in
advance and will be due on Mondays. Solutions of the problems will be
discussed on Wednesdays. Submission of homework ahead of deadline is
encouraged. Homework can be placed in my mail box ox in room Phys
2323, sent by E-mail, or returned in the class.
Exams: There will be bi-weekly in-class exams, as
well as the final exam.
Grades: You will receive points for solving
problems and other activities. the points will be added within three
categories: Homework, Classroom Work (in-class exams and demonstration
of solutions in the class), and Final Exam. They will be normalized
and added with the weight coefficients 0.3, 0.3 and 0.4, respectively.
The total score will be converted to ABC grades. The systems may look
complicated, but the message is simple: "Solve all assignments in time
and be active in discussion".
E-mail: You are required to have an electronic mail
account and use it. If you don't have one, contact Computer Science
Center.
Mode of operation: No lectures will be given.
Theoretical material from the textbook will be assigned for home
reading. Plenty of problems will be given. Classroom time will be
devoted to answering questions (on Mondays), discussing solutions of
problems (on Wednesday), and in-class exams. Discussion by e-mail is
also encouraged.
Active participation is required. This means that
you should attempt to understand a subject or to solve a problem
yourself without waiting till somebody explains it. All homework
assignments will be given before any explanations of corresponding
subjects. If you still do not understand something, try to formulate
what is the obstacle and ask appropriate questions. The questions
should be submitted to me preferably by e-mail. I may broadcast them
to other students (without revealing your identity) asking to answer
the questions if possible. If you know how to answer a broadcasted
question, try to present the answer. I may also ask you to present a
solution in the class.
Attendance of classes is not required, unless
- An in-class exam is announced;
- I ask you personally to come to the class;
- Your questions are answered in the class.
I will try to minimize the need to come to the class by shifting
communications to e-mail. Assignments and announcements can be sent
and received by e-mail.
Feedback: I would appreciate your comments and
suggestions about the course at any time and in any form.
Paperwork: Try to use both sides of a paper
whenever possible. Try to use white paper which is recycled by the
campus, unlike color paper. I advise you to get a 3-ring binder (and a
hole puncher) and store there my handouts and your calculations. You
may need them sometimes in the future.
Last updated September 3, 1996
Home page of Victor Yakovenko