what tgo expect from a quantum mechanics 1 course

by Taya Dicki 10 min read

This course covers the fundamental concepts and topics of quantum mechanics which include basic concepts, 1D potential problems, time evolution of quantum states, and essential linear algebra. It provides undergraduate level foundational knowledge and build on them more advanced topics.

Full Answer

What do you learn in quantum physics?

Mathematically, the course involves complex numbers, linear algebra and partial differential equations. Required purchases: 1) David H. McIntyre Quantum Mechanics A Paradigms Approach 2) iClickers, available at the bookstore, will be used every lecture

What is this quantum mechanics course?

Learn the quantum mechanics needed to prepare you for the second quantum revolution (focused on quantum sensing). We use a new way to teach quantum for undergraduates by focusing on conceptual ideas and operator manipulations. This allows us to discuss more applications to experiment usually done. You need a background in the full calculus sequence and in math …

Who should take quantum mechanics?

Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1. This 9 week course aims to teach quantum mechanics to anyone with a reasonable college-level understanding of physical science or engineering. Quantum mechanics was once mostly of interest to physicists, chemists and other basic scientists. Now the concepts and techniques of quantum mechanics are essential in …

What is the first course in the quantum physics sequence?

Course Description This course covers the experimental basis of quantum physics. It introduces wave mechanics, Schrödinger’s equation in a single dimension, and Schrödinger’s equation in three dimensions. It is the first course in the undergraduate Quantum Physics sequence, followed by 8.05 Quantum Physics II and 8.06 Quantum Physics III.

What do you study in quantum mechanics?

quantum mechanics, science dealing with the behaviour of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale. It attempts to describe and account for the properties of molecules and atoms and their constituents—electrons, protons, neutrons, and other more esoteric particles such as quarks and gluons.

What is quantum mechanics for beginners?

Schleier-Smith studies quantum mechanics, the theory that explains the nature of really small things: atoms, photons, and individual particles (e.g. electrons). Quantum mechanics is responsible for innovations in computers, telecommunications, and medicine. And those innovations often start in a lab.Oct 19, 2020

What do I need to know to study quantum mechanics?

In order to study elementary quantum mechanics you must ideally have an understanding of the following mathematical ideas:Complex numbers.Partial and Ordinary differential equations.Integral calculus I-III.linear algebra.fourier analysis.

Is studying quantum mechanics hard?

For university students studying physics, quantum mechanics is considered an extremely difficult subject, but one which must be taught increasingly early in their careers.

How is quantum mechanics used in everyday life?

Today, every other thing is influenced by quantum physics. For example: Computers and Smartphone: The entire working process of computers is based on quantum physics. The phenomenon of band structure, which supports the modern semiconductor- based electronics, is fundamentally a quantum mechanism.Dec 1, 2018

Why quantum mechanics is needed give a note?

Quantum mechanics is an important tool to understand at the theoretical level the electronic structure of chemical compounds and the mechanism, thermodynamics, and kinetics of chemical reactions.

Can I self study quantum mechanics?

For those who want a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics and are going to go about it via self-study, it'd be best to get through all of Griffiths and then go back for a second pass with a deeper textbook — or take a proper university course in it (preferably one that doesn't use Griffiths).Mar 5, 2018

How long does it take to learn quantum mechanics?

If you seek to become a quantum physicist, you have to complete four years of undergraduate training. You also can complete an additional two years of schooling to earn a master's degree followed by five years of doctoral degree training.Dec 9, 2021

What kind of math is used in quantum mechanics?

The main tools include: linear algebra: complex numbers, eigenvectors, eigenvalues. functional analysis: Hilbert spaces, linear operators, spectral theory. differential equations: partial differential equations, separation of variables, ordinary differential equations, Sturm–Liouville theory, eigenfunctions.

What is the problem with quantum mechanics?

The trouble is that in quantum mechanics the way that wave functions change with time is governed by an equation, the Schrödinger equation, that does not involve probabilities. It is just as deterministic as Newton's equations of motion and gravitation.Jan 19, 2017

Which is harder quantum physics or astrophysics?

Both are pretty challenging but completely opposite descriptions of the world in terms of size. Astrophysics deals with the motions, configurations of objects of celestial length scales where the relativistic effects are extremely important.

Why is quantum physics so complicated?

Quantum mechanics is deemed the hardest part of physics. Systems with quantum behavior don't follow the rules that we are used to, they are hard to see and hard to “feel”, can have controversial features, exist in several different states at the same time - and even change depending on whether they are observed or not.Jun 25, 2020

Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1

This 9 week course aims to teach quantum mechanics to anyone with a reasonable college-level understanding of physical science or engineering. Quantum mechanics was once mostly of interest to physicists, chemists and other basic scientists.

About this course

This 9 week course aims to teach quantum mechanics to anyone with a reasonable college-level understanding of physical science or engineering. Quantum mechanics was once mostly of interest to physicists, chemists and other basic scientists.

Syllabus

How quantum mechanics is important in the everyday world, the bizarre aspects and continuing evolution of quantum mechanics, and how we need it for engineering much of modern technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to buy a textbook; the course is self-contained. My book “Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers” (Cambridge, 2008) is an optional additional resource for the course.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S.

Course Description

This course covers the experimental basis of quantum physics. It introduces wave mechanics, Schrödinger's equation in a single dimension, and Schrödinger's equation in three dimensions.

Course Sequences

This course is the first part of a three-course sequence. The sequence continues in 8.05 Quantum Physics II.

Course Collections

Allan Adams, Matthew Evans, and Barton Zwiebach. 8.04 Quantum Physics I. Spring 2013. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw.mit.edu. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.

What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics was once mostly of interest to physicists, chemists and other basic scientists. Now the concepts and techniques of quantum mechanics are essential in many areas of engineering and science such as materials science, nanotechnology, electronic devices, and photonics. This course is a substantial introduction to quantum mechanics ...

Who is David Miller?

David Miller is the W. M. Keck Foundation Professor of Electrical Engineering and, by Courtesy, Professor of Applied Physics, both at Stanford University. He received his B. Sc. and Ph. D. degrees in Physics in Scotland, UK from St. Andrews University and Heriot-Watt University, respectively. Before moving to Stanford in 1996, he worked at AT&T Bell Laboratores for 15 years. His research interests have included physics and applications of quantum nanostructures, including invention of optical modulator devices now widely used in optical fiber communications, and fundamentals and applications of optics and nanophotonics. He has received several awards and honorary degrees for his work, is a Fellow of many major professional societies in science and engineering, including the Royal Society of London, and is a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in the US. He has taught quantum mechanics at Stanford for more than 10 years to a broad range of students ranging from physics and engineering undergraduates to graduate engineers and scientists in many disciplines.

What is course 2 in thermodynamics?

Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation.

Can you see lectures in audit mode?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit.

Is CU Boulder a public university?

As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

Course Syllabus

Prerequisites

  • The course is approximately at the level of a first quantum mechanics class in physics at a third-year college level or above, but it is specifically designed to be suitable and useful also for those from other science and engineering disciplines. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding rather than a heavily mathematical approach, but some a...
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Course Staff

  • David Miller
    David Miller is the W. M. Keck Foundation Professor of Electrical Engineering and, by Courtesy, Professor of Applied Physics, both at Stanford University. He received his B. Sc. and Ph. D. degrees in Physics in Scotland, UK from St. Andrews University and Heriot-Watt University, respe…
See more on online.stanford.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Required text
    The text Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers (Cambridge, 2008) is recommended for the course, though it is not required. It follows essentially the same syllabus, has additional problems and exercises, allows you to go into greater depth on some ideas, and also contains m…
See more on online.stanford.edu