The University of Western Ontario
London Ontario
Applied Mathematics / Physics & Astronomy 4251a
Fall 2008
Course Outline
Instructor: Martin H. Müser, MC 285, mmuser@uwo.ca, Tel: 519 661-2111 ext. 87268
Anticipated Class Times and Location: Tu, Th, 4:30pm-6:00pm, P&A B34
Start Date: Sept. 4, 2008
Required Text: Walter Greiner, Quantum Mechanics: An Introduction
Springer, ISBN-#: 3-540-67458-6
Overview of the Course:
The course Quantum Mechanics II (Applied Maths/Physics 4251a) will encompass most topics
mentioned under Applied Mathematics 4251a/b in the academic calendar and the quantum
mechanical harmonic oscillator.
The suggested book contains almost all of the covered material with a few exceptions. While
the style of the lectures and the course outline may differ from that followed in the book,
reading assignments and homework assignments will be given from this text.
Prerequisites: Physics 3200a/b. It will be assumed that the students master the material
taught in the last QM I course. It is strongly advised that students who did not take that
course familiarize themselves with its content, specifically (chapter numbers refer to Greiner’s
book):
Cavity and black body radiation (chapter 2). Wave aspects of matter and interpretation of wave
function (chapter 3.1-6) including delta functions, complex Fourier series and transform. Mathematical foundations of Quantum Mechanics (mostly chapter 4.1-7), specifically, Hermitian operators, eigenstates (orthogonality, normalization, and completeness), expansion of wave functions into eigenfunctions/eigenstates, commutators, and Dirac notation. Angular momentum
(parts of chapter 4.8), including differential operators in spherical coordinates. Schroedinger
equation of infinite well (exercises 6.1-2), including considerations regarding parity, finite well
potentials, potential steps (exercise 6.7). Relation to classical mechanics: Continuity equation (chapter 6.1), Ehrenfest theorem (chapter 8.1-2). EPR, Bell’s inequality, duality (bits of
chapter 17).
Method of Evaluation:
30% quizzes (3 or 4 quizzes will be given in the classroom), 30% midterm (Oct. 23), 40% final
Cont’d...
Missing Quizzes and Exams: A makeup exam is offered for a missed final exam only.
There are no make up exams for quizzes or the mid-term exam. To receive a prorated grade
for missed quizzes or midterm, students must show written documentation from the Dean of
Science (in the case of quizzes, a doctor’s note is sufficient). The prorated grade will be based
on the final exam mark. No exceptions will be made.
Please do not send friendship requests on social network pages such as facebook.
Further information:
http://publish.uwo.ca/˜mmuser/Teaching/AM4251a.html
please check periodically for announcements and homework assignments
Guidelines for Academic Accommodations for Disabled Students are found on page 41
of the 2009 UWO Academic Calendar.
Addendum to all Applied Mathematics Course Outlines
The UWO Senate Academic Handbook has specified that the following points should be added
to all course outlines:
1. Plagiarism: Students must write their essays and assignments in their own words. Whenever
students take an idea, or a passage from another author, they must acknowledge their debt both
by using quotation marks where appropriate and by proper referencing such as footnotes or
citations. Plagiarism is a major academic offense (see Scholastic Offense Policy in the Western
Academic Calendar).
2. Plagiarism Checking: The University of Western Ontario uses software for plagiarism checking. Students may be required to submit their written work and programs in electronic form
for plagiarism checking.
3. Prerequisites for a course: Unless you have either the requisites for this course or written
special permission from your Dean to enroll in it, you will be removed from this course and
it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no
adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the
necessary prerequisites.
4. If computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams are given: Use may be made of
software to check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.