Syllabus
Physics 621: Quantum Mechanics I (Fall 2013)
(Credit units: 3)
Lecture Room: 104 Natural Sciences BLDG
Lecture Time: 4:00 pm-5:15 pm (Tuesday and Thursday)
Textbook: Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by N. Zettili (John Wiley & Sons)
(Second Edition)
Reference book: (1) Principles of Quantum Mechanics by Ramanurti Shankar (Plenum Press);
(2) Quantum Mechanics: A New Introduction by Kenichi Konishi & Giampiero
Paffuti (Oxford University Press)
Instructor: Dr. Ming Yu
Office: Room 242, John W. Shumaker Research Building
Office Hour: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Tuesday and Thursday)
Phone Number: 502-852-0931
E-mail: m0yu0001@louisville.edu
Web site: http://www.physics.louisville.edu/yu/
Description
This course is the first part of the two-semester course of quantum mechanics (phys 621 and phys
622). This course (Phys 621) will cover the general concepts of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger
equation and solutions in one- and three-dimension problems, the general angular momentum, as well
as the rotations. A mathematical background of linear algebra, differential equations, and partial
differential equations is strongly required in the course.
Goal
The goal of this course will be to review basic concepts of quantum mechanics, to improve critical
thinking skills and problem-solving skills. The key elements related to this goal will include: reviewing
the mathematical tools of quantum mechanics, re-discussing the formal foundation of quantum
mechanics, and then dealing with the exact solutions of the Schrodinger equation and the properties of
angular momentum. You are encouraged to read the chapters and sections related to the topics from the
textbook and reference books and to discuss with your fellow students or the instructor to make clear
in concepts and in solving assigned problems. Your progress in this area will be assessed with a graded
assignment (homework assignment and embedded in exam questions, etc.).
Course Requirements
PHYS 555 and 556.
Topics covered
1. Postulates of Quantum Mechanics and Related Mathematical Tools (Chapters 2& 3)
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Basic Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.3 The State of System and Wave Functions
1.4 Observables and Operators
1.5 Measurement in Quantum Mechanics
1.6 Time Evolution of the System’s State
1.7 Symmetries and Conservation Laws
One-Dimensional Problems(Chapter 4)
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Properties of One-Dimensional Motion
2.3 The Free Particle: Continuous States
2.4 The Potential Step
2.5 The Potential Barrier and Well
2.6 The Infinite Square Well Potential
2.7 The Finite Square Well Potential
2.8 The Harmonic Oscillator
Angular Momentum (Chapter 5)
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Orbital Angular Momentum
3.3 General Formalism of Angular Momentum
3.4 Matrix Representation of Angular Momentum
3.5 Spin Angular Momentum
3.6 Eigenfunctions of Orbital Angular Momentum
Three-Dimensional Problems (Chapter 6)
4.1 3D Problems in Cartesian Coordinates
4.2 3D Problems in Spherical Coordinates (Central Force Problems)
4.3 The Hydrogen Atom
4.4 Effect of Magnetic Field on Central Potentials
Rotations (Optional)
5.1 Rotations in Classical Physics (Chapter 7.1)
5.2 Rotations in Quantum Mechanics (Chapter 7.2)
Homework
Homework assignments will be distributed each week on the blackborad. The Homework includes
both general problems and challenge problems. You are asked to accomplish the general problems and
encouraged to take the challenge problems. Your solutions for each problem must include not only the
final answers but intermediate steps. The corresponding due dates for Homework will be written on the
Homework assignments. Homework assignments will be collected and graded, and form part of your
final score. You may discuss homework problems with your fellow students. In fact, you are
encouraged to work as a group. However, the final write-up must be your own.
Exams
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. The midterm exam is scheduled on October 3, 2013,
and the final exam is scheduled on December 5-12, 2013. The midterm exam will only have a “take-
home” section. The final exam will have an “in-class” and a “take-home” section. They are weighted
as half and half, respectively.
Class Participation
Class participation will be monitored throughout the semester. You are basically required to attend the
class otherwise, with an excuse. Each absence without an excuse will cost 0.5 point. It is true that
certain individuals are able to learn physics solely from a textbook and may think that lectures are
unnecessary. It is also true that most part of the course follows the text book basically, but (1) more
explanations which do not appear in a typical textbook will be given in class (2) some of the topics of
the course are even not covered by the textbook. Participation will provide you the opportunity to gain
more, to ask questions as well as clarifying explanations.
Grading Policy
The final scores will be based on the two exams and the homework with breakdown as follows:
Homework
30%
Midterm Exam
35%
Final Exam
35%
The letter grades will be assigned based on the final scores. The approximate cutoffs are:
Grade A+
A
A_
B+
B
B_
C+
C
C_
D+
D
D-
Cutoff 98
90
82
75
70
65
55
50
41
38
35
32
* Please note that the scheduled exam date and above cutoffs are tentative. The instructor reserves the
right to lower the cutoffs if deemed necessary. The cutoffs, however, will not be raised in any cases.