PHY302 Quantum Mechanics (8)

Quantum mechanics is the basis for twenty first century technology including quantum computing and nano technologies. This subject extends the quantum mechanics that was indroduced to students in PHY216 Modern Physics and is suitable as a basis for further studies and research or teaching in physics, it will also be suitable for science students majoring in other areas. The subject begins by presenting students to the Schrodinger equation and its interpretation, the formalism of quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics in 3 dimensions. In the second half of the subject students will be introduced to more advanced quantum topics including quantum statistical mechanics, perturbation theory and other approximations, scattering theory, entanglement and quantum computing.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PHY302. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

PHY101, PHY102, PHY216 and calculus based mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to solve problems using Schrodinger's equation applied to simple potentials
  • be able to describe and explain the wavefunction and evaluate its physical interpretation
  • be able to describe and explain an understanding of quantum formalism
  • be able to explain and apply the procedures used to solve Schrodinger's equation in spherically symmetric potentials
  • be able to describe and apply the concepts of angular moment and spin and distinguish between them
  • be able to analyse and apply quantum mechanics to systems of particles
  • be able to solve problems using perturbation theory
  • be able to describe the principles of scattering theory
  • be able to describe quantum entanglement and appraise its application to quantum computing
  • be able to solve conceptual and mathematical problems associated with the topics covered in Quantum Mechanics

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The wave function
  • The time-independent Schrodinger equation
  • The formalism of quantum mechanics
  • The application of quantum mechanics to three dimensional potentials
  • The application of quantum mechanics to systems of particles
  • Perturbation theory and other approximate methods
  • Scattering theory
  • Quantum entanglement and quantum computing

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of PHY302 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Assignment 1: wave function & schrodinger's eqn
25
2
Assignment 2: harmonics, momentum and particles
25
3
Final exam
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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