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Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics)

Module PH0007 [ThPh 3]

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of SS 2022 (current)

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
SS 2022SS 2021SS 2020SS 2019SS 2017SS 2016SS 2011

Basic Information

PH0007 is a semester module in German language at Bachelor’s level which is offered in summer semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Mandatory Modules in Bachelor Programme Physics (4th Semester)
  • Physics Modules for Students of Education

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
270 h 120 h 9 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH0007 is Andreas Weiler.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

Introduction
Literature
1 Particles and Waves
2 States and measurements, entangled states
3 Time Evolution
4 One-dimensional potentials
5 Approximative Methods
6 Angular momentum in QM, Symmetry
7 Schrödinger equation in the central field, H atom
8 Electron in external electromagnetic field, photo effect, time-dependent perturbation theory
9 Spin, two state systems
A Mathematical foundations

Learning Outcome

After successful participation, students are able to:
1. understand the implications of Schrödinger's equation and how to describe states with wave functions
2. solve Schrödinger's equation for one-dimensional problems and interpret the solution
3. apply the bra-ket formalism
4. solve the hydrogen atom and other basic problem in three-dimensions
5. explain the concept of spin and the Stern-Gerlach experiment
6. solve problems that involve two quantum states
7. solve problems using approximate methods
8. understand the concept of density matrices and quantum entanglement

Preconditions

PH0005, PH0006, MA9201, MA9202, MA9203, MA9204

for students studying bachelor of science education mathematics / physics: PH0005, PH0006, PH0003, MA9937, MA9938, MA9939, MA9940

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

TypeSWSTitleLecturer(s)DatesLinks
VO 4 Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics) Vairo, A. Mon, 08:30–10:00, PH HS1
Wed, 10:00–12:00, PH HS1
eLearning
UE 2 Open Tutorial for Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics) Mayer-Steudte, J.
Responsible/Coordination: Vairo, A.
singular or moved dates
and dates in groups
UE 2 Exercise to Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics) Mayer-Steudte, J.
Responsible/Coordination: Vairo, A.
dates in groups eLearning
UE 2 Large Tutorial to Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics) Kaiser, N. Mon, 12:00–14:00, PH HS1
and singular or moved dates
eLearning

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lecture: black-board presentation

Open tutorial: The open tutorial provides the opportunity for solving the exercises for oneself or as a group. The open tutorial is overseen by different tutors an leaves room for further discussions and exchange with other students.

Tutorial: The tutorial is held in small groups. In the tutorial the weekly exercises are presented by the students and the tutor. They also provide room for discussions and additional explanations to the lectures.

Media

Blackboard or powerpoint presentation
accompanying informations on-line

Literature

D.J. GRIFFITHS, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall.
Good introductory materials.

F. SCHWABL, Quantenmechanik, Springer.
Highler level of detail and good presentation

J.L. BASDEVANT, J. DALIBARD, Quantum Mechanics, 2005.
Cleanly worked out; discusses both the mathematical basics as well as conceptual questions. Focuses also an new experiments and applications.

R. SHANKAR, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, 2011.
Includes a mathematical description. Quite detailed.

M. LE BELLAC, Quantum Physics, 2012. Sorgfältige Darstellung, aber auf
quite high-level. Not useful as the only source for the first contact with Quantum Mechanics

J.J. SAKURAI, J.J. NAPOLITANO Modern Quantum Mechanics, 2010.
Good textbook which is also on a higher level.

R.P. FEYNMAN, R.B. LEIGHTON, M. SANDS, Feynman Vorlesungen über Physik III: Quantenmechanik, 1988.
Feynmans remarkable style with very detailed explanations. Not as systematic as other books.

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

There will be a written exam of 90 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using calculation problems and comprehension questions.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

  • set-up and solution of the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a potential and interpretation of the solutions
  • interpretation of the physical consequences of a given wave function

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.

There will be a bonus (one intermediate stepping of "0,3" to the better grade) on passed module exams (4,3 is not upgraded to 4,0). The bonus is applicable to both exam period directly following the lecture period and subject to the condition that the student passes the mid-term of

  • obtaining 60% of the total points of the problem sets.
  • The bonus will not be applied to the second exam period, if the exam was attempted and not passed in the first exam period.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.

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