Phys623: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II
Spring 1998
The 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 the Ph. D. qualifying exam, which is devoted
in half to quantum mechanics. Phys622 covers the first half of the
textbook and Phys623 covers the second half of the textbook. See Homework
for a detailed list of topics.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate background in quantum mechanics
and mathematics.
Textbooks:
The main textbook will be "Quantum Mechanics" by Franz Schwabl (Springer,
second edition, 1995). Theoretical reading and home problems will be
assigned from this textbook.
No single textbook contains all required material. The textbooks listed
below are not required, but you may wish to look at them occasionally for
a clarification or a topic missing in Schwabl. The books marked UBC and
EPSL should be available at the University
Book Center and on reserve at the Engineering and Physical Sciences
Library, correspondingly.
-
L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz's "Quantum Mechanics (Non-Relativistic
Theory)" is a classical reference, indispensable to anybody who plans
to specialize in theoretical physics, particularly in condensed matter.
Written in a very condensed style, it contains enormous amount of material,
much of which is required for the qualifier. I studied quantum mechanics
using this book and highly recommend it. UBC, EPSL
-
L. I. Schiff's "Quantum Mechanics" is a "standard" old-fashioned
graduate textbook. It contains a lot of material and has a good table of
contents. UBC
-
E. Mertzbacher's "Quantum Mechanics" is another "standard" graduate
textbook with an old-fashioned presentation. It contains a lot of material,
but, unfortunately, its very concise table of contents does not allow to
search for necessary items.
-
J. J. Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics" includes many modern
topics. Written by a high-energy theorist, the book is tilted toward algebraic
approach and systematically avoids equations in the coordinate space, that
is, the Schrödinger equation. UBC, EPSL
-
G. Baym's "Lectures on Quantum Mechanics" contain many useful applications
not described anywhere else, but some other topics are fragmentary. UBC,
EPSL
-
D. J. Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" is used here
in the undergraduate course of quantum mechanics. The book is very well
written from the modern perspective, neatly organized, and lucid.
Homework will be given on Wednesdays and will be due on Friday next
week. Homework may be placed in the box on the door of my office (Phys
2314), sent by e-mail, or returned in class. I encourage, but not require
usage of computer programs, like Mathematica, for calculations and plotting.
Exams: The the final exam will be on Wednesday, May 20, from
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The midterm exam will be specified separately.
You are allowed to use any books or notes during all exams. It may be necessary
to use numerical calculators.
Grades: You will receive points for homework and exams. Generally,
the score between 75% and 100% of the maximal possible number of points
corresponds to A, between 50% and 75% to B, and between 25% and 50% to
C. The exact relative weight of the homework and the exams will be specified
later. but a significant weight will be given to the homework.
E-mail: You are required to have an electronic mail account and
to use it.
Mode of operation: No formal 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,
discussing solutions of problems, and exams. Discussion by e-mail is also
encouraged.
Active participation is required. This means that you should
attempt to understand a topic or to solve a problem yourself, without waiting
for somebody to explain it. All homework assignments will be given before
any
explanations of corresponding topics. If, after the attempt, you still
do not understand something, try to formulate what is the obstacle and
ask appropriate questions. The questions may be submitted to me by e-mail.
I may ask students to present solutions of problems in the class.
Attendance: Attendance of classes is not required, unless an
in-class exam is announced. If you come to the class, better bring a question.
I will broadcast important announcements by e-mail and post the homework
and announcements at the home
page of the course on the World Wide Web.
Feedback: I would appreciate you comments and suggestions about
the course at any time and in any form. I am particularly interested in
your opinion about different textbooks.
Paperwork: Preserve my handouts and your calculations. I will
often refer to previous homework problems and solutions.
Last updated August 10, 2000
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