INTRODUCTION
TO 
QUANTUM MECHANICS
(PHY304, Fall 2017)
Together with
Einstein's theory of relativity quantum mechanics constitutes
one of the fundamental pillars
of
modern physics. Quantum mechanics
describes phenomena on atomic and subatomic scales where particles behave like waves and wave
phenomena acquire particle-like
attributes. In many instances quantum behavior is manifested
on much larger lengthscales and is
directly observable in our everyday lives (lasers, semiconductors, superconducting devices,
etc. )
This course will
provide a rigorous introduction into the world of quantum
phenomena. We shall introduce the wavefunction
description of matter, Schrodinger
equation governing the behavior of the wavefumction, discuss
its interpretation and find its solutions for a
number of interesting situations.
Understanding the principles of the quantum mechanics involves
learning considerable amount of mathematical
formalism. Thus, although we shall not
need any truly complicated math, working knowledge of the
basic calculus, differential equations, and linear
algebra will be expected and demanded.
- Instructor: Prof. M. Franz, Henn
336 <franz(at)phas(dot)ubc(dot)ca>
- Textbook:
“Introduction to Quantum
Mechanics” by D. J. Griffiths, (second edition,
Cambridge University Press 2016). The course will cover
chapters 1-5 plus some additional material presented in class.
Textbook is available in the UBC Bookstore. A somewhat cheaper
but identical version is available directly from the
publisher, see here.
- Lectures:
Tu & Th, 9:30-11:00 in MacLeod 228
- Office hours:
Tue 11:00-12:00, We 14:00-15:00
and by appointment in Brimacombe 461B.
- Teaching
assistants:
- Chengshu Li <chengshu(at)phas(dot)ubc(dot)ca>
- Oleg Kabernik <olegk(at)phas(dot)ubc(dot)ca>
Course announcements:
- The first class takes place on Thursday Sept. 7. (There is no class
on Sept. 5 due to Imagine UBC activities).
- Midterm 1
will take place on Oct. 17 during
the regular class time. The exam will cover chapters 1 and 2
from the textbook and will consist of problems very similar to
those assigned as homework. See also review
problems for additional preparation. The exam
is closed book, closed notes, but you may bring a one-page
hand written formula sheet.
- Extra office hours for
Midterm 1 will be held on Monday Oct. 16 between 1-3pm.
- Solution to Midterm 1 can be found here.
- Midterm 2
will take place on Nov. 16 during
the regular class time. The exam will cover chapters 3 and 4 from the textbook (up to and
including the hydrogen atom) and will consist of problems very
similar to those assigned as homework. See also review
problems for additional preparation. The exam
is closed book, closed notes, but you may bring a one-page
hand written formula sheet.
- Solution to Midterm 2 can be found here.
- Final exam will
take place on Dec. 13. The exam
will cover all the material discussed in class and will consist of problems very similar to those
assigned as homework. See also review
problems for additional preparation. The exam
is closed book, closed notes, but you may bring a one-page
hand written formula sheet.
- During the exam period office hours
will be held as follows: Tuesday Dec. 5, 11am-12noon and
Tuesday Dec. 12, 1-4pm.
