Module manager: tbc
Email: tbc
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Year 1 Physics or equivalent including classical mechanics
PHYS2360
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module introduces the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics with their applications.
During this module, students will learn how to describe quantum systems using wavefunctions, operators and linear algebra; predict outcomes of measurements on quantum systems, solve the Schrodinger equation for simple model systems, understand the structure of atoms and molecules using the exclusion principle and spin, model the basic structure of atomic nucleus, and predict various forms of radiactive decay and nuclear reactions.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Quantum systems using state vectors and wave functions;
2. Quantum-mechanical concepts such as linear superposition, uncertainty principle, quantum tunneling;
3. Stationary and dynamical properties of quantum systems by solving the Schroedinger equation;
4. Predicting outcomes of measurements on quantum systems using linear operators and observable expectation values;
5. The behaviour of a quantum particle in various confining potentials, 6. 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. Schrodinger equation
2. wave function
3. standard solutions of quantum systems
4. Hydrogen atom
5. spin
6. Pauli exclusion principle
7. Fermions and Bosons
8. 1st order time independent perturbation theory
9. Atomic structure and the periodic table
10. spectra of simple atoms
11. laser action
12. the structure of the atomic nucleus
13. radioactive decay and nuclear reactions
14. scattering processes between elementary particles
15. key components of the Standard Model of particle physics.
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 | 50 | 1 | 50 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24 | ||
| Private study hours | 126 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Feedback through continuous assessment of online quizzes, with automatic feedback, and through workshops.
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