Module manager: Prof Zlatko Papic
Email: Z.Papic@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Year 1 physics
| PHAS1000 | First Year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS2000 | 2nd year Physics Assessment |
| PHAS2020 | Statistical Mechanics and Computation |
| PHAS2030 | Condensed Matter Physics |
| PHAS2040 | Electromagnetism |
PHYS2311
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module introduces the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics with their applications.
During this module, in quantum mechanics students will learn how to describe quantum systems using wavefunctions, operators and linear algebra, how to predict outcomes of measurements on quantum systems and solve the Schrodinger equation for simple model systems, and understand the structure of atoms and molecules using the exclusion principle and spin.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
(1) Describe quantum systems using state vectors and wave functions;
(2) Understand quantum-mechanical concepts such as linear superposition, uncertainty principle, quantum tunneling;
(3) Describe stationary and dynamical properties of quantum systems by solving the Schroedinger equation;
(4) Predict outcomes of measurements on quantum systems using linear operators and observable expectation values;
(5) Describe the behaviour of a quantum particle in various confining potentials, including the infinite potential well, harmonic oscillator potential, propagation across potential barriers, and the Coulomb potential in the hydrogen atom;
(6) Predict the electronic structure of atoms and molecules based on spin and the exclusion principle.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to do the following:
a. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
b. Problem solving
c. Application of appropriate mathematics
1. Linear algebra and its application to quantum mechanics
2. Methods for solution of partial differential equations
3. Schrodinger equation
4. wave function
5. standard solutions of quantum systems
6. Hydrogen atom
7. spin
8. Pauli exclusion principle
9. Fermions and Bosons
10. 1st order time independent perturbation theory
11. Atomic structure and the periodic table
12. spectra of simple atoms
13. laser action
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 70 | 1 | 70 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24 | ||
| Private study hours | 106 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 70 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Feedback through continuous assessment of online quizzes, with automatic feedback.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 23/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team