Goucher College

Department of Physics

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

PHY.350

Spring 2008

Text Box: Click here for class schedule Quantum Mechanics links

· Instructor

Dr. Sasha Dukan
Office: G10E
phone: 410-337-6323
e-mail: sdukan@goucher.edu
Office hours: MWF 2:30-3:30 pm and by appointment. 

 

· Schedule

MWF 11:30am-12:20pm , Hoffberger Science Building  B26

 

· Textbook

"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" 2nd Edition, by David J. Griffiths, Pearson/Prentice Hall. Student is expected to read assigned textbook chapters by the date assigned in the syllabus.

Other Recommended Texts (available in the library and/or my office):

1. Principles of Quantum Mechanics, by  Shankar

2. Principles of Quantum Mechanics, by Ohanian

3. A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics, by Townsend

4. Quantum Mechanics, An Accessible Introduction, by Scherrer

 

 

· Course Description

 

Physics 350  is a rigorous  one semester introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Together with courses in Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Statistical Physics, course in Quantum Mechanics  constitutes  a core of a comprehensive undergraduate physics program. On the more important level, Quantum Mechanics is the gateway to modern physics of 20th and 21st century. Quantum Mechanics provides foundation for high energy physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, cosmology and all of the exciting discoveries of past few decades. Quantum mechanics requires a radical shift in the way we understand nature: its results and predictions are often in contradiction with our own intuition. So while the famous remark by Richard Feynman, "I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics." might ring truth for you as well, my goal for this class is that you learn how to do quantum mechanics and grow to appreciate its beautiful logical structure. This will be accomplished through in class discussions, computer simulations, demonstration  and most importantly by solving problems both in class and on homework assignments.

 

· Exams

There will be three take-home exams. Tentative dates which may be adjusted according to the rate at which the material is being covered are listed in the class schedule. Class notes, textbook and homework solutions are the only materials allowed for take-home exams. No discussion of exam problems among students is allowed. I reserve a right to discuss submitted work with you to examine your understanding of solved problems.  I will also schedule three  mini oral exams with you throughout the semester that will involve discussion about you homework assignments and/or reading assignments.

 

· Take-Home Exam Schedule:
 Mar 16 , Exam I (Ch1, 2, 3)
Apr 20, Exam II (Ch 4, 5, 6)
 May 12, Exam III (Ch 7, 8, 9)

 

· Homework

 

A homework assignment of about 10 to 15 problems per chapter will be assigned. No late homework will be accepted.  You are encouraged to work on homework assignments with other students, but this does not mean distributing work load or copying. Main purpose of a homework is to give you practice in solving problems and prepare you for exams. Solving problems is the most important part of a learning process in this course. In some homework problems you will be asked to use numerical/symbolical package MAPLE.

 

· Final paper

1. Final paper  on some of the philosophical and historical issues related to the development of quantum theory. Topics:
The EPR paradox and Bell's Theorem

2. Schrödinger's Cat

3. The Quantum Zeno Paradox

If time permits we will have a presentation of the final papers in the class. The date will be announced later in the semester.

 

· Grades

 

Your grade will be based upon homework and exams. Grade breakdown is as follows:
Homework : 40%
Written Exams: 40%
Oral Exams/Participation: 10%
Final paper: 10%

The grade distribution will be as follows:

· numerical grade >90.1%  is A,

· numerical grade between 87.1% and 90% is A-

· numerical grade between 83.1% and 87% is B+

· numerical grade between 73.1% and 83% is B

· numerical grade between 70.1% and 73% is B-

· numerical grade between 67.1% and 70% is C+

· numerical grade between 63.1% and 67% is C

· numerical grade between 60.1% and 63% is C-

· numerical grade between 57.1% and 60% is D+

· numerical grade between  53.1% and 57% is D

· numerical grade between  50.1% and 53% is D-

· numerical grade below 50% is F

 

 

· Academic Ethics

All students are bound by the standards of the Academic Honor Code, found at www.goucher.edu/documents/General/AcademicHonorCode.pdf