2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS2010 Quantum Mechanics

Module manager: Prof Zlatko Papic
Email: Z.Papic@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

Year 1 physics

Pre-requisites

PHAS1000 First Year Physics Assessment

Co-requisites

PHAS2000 2nd year Physics Assessment
PHAS2020 Statistical Mechanics and Computation
PHAS2030 Condensed Matter Physics
PHAS2040 Electromagnetism

Module replaces

PHYS2311

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module introduces the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics with their applications.

Objectives

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.

Learning outcomes

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

Syllabus

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

Teaching Methods

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

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback through continuous assessment of online quizzes, with automatic feedback.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team