2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3383 Advanced Quantum Physics

15 Credits Class Size: 115

Module manager: Dr Jiannis Pachos
Email: J.K.Pachos@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 Physics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS 3381 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:
- Define the rules of quantum mechanics;
- Solve Schrodinger's equation when separable in Cartesian coordinates for a variety of situations including that of an electron in a magnetic field;
- Derive the results of lowest order time independent and time dependent perturbation theory and apply the results to simple physical situations;
- Describe the principles of the variational method and apply the method to simple physical problems;
- Describe and derive the methods of matrix mechanics and of Dirac formalism;
- Discuss the description of electron spin in terms of Pauli spin matrices and solve simple associated problems.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:

- Separation of variables method
- Spin systems and Hamiltonians with spins
- Charged particle in magnetic field
- Variational method
- Time-dependent and time-independent perturbation theories

Skills outcomes

The ability to use quantum mechanics in different scientific disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) and apply the same mathematics in other fields.

Syllabus

Revision of the basic postulates of quantum mechanics. The solution of Schroedinger's equation when separated using Cartesian coordinates combining the confinement of electrons in infinite wells with period boundary conditions. Introduction of creation and annihilation operators to solve the harmonic oscillator. This leads to a description of Landau levels for charged particles in a magnetic field. Description of the Integer Quantum Hall effect. The variational method for solving difficult problems with various worked examples. Time dependent and time independent perturbation theory. Matrix mechanics leading to the description of spin states, the Pauli spin matrices and the Dirac formalism.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 22 1 22
Private study hours 128
Total Contact hours 22
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

3 in-course, formative coursework assignments.

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins 100
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 100

Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

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