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PHY-20006 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

PHY-20006 - Quantum Mechanics
Coordinator: Pierre Maxted Room: LJ2.06 Tel: +44 1782 7 33457
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module introduces students to quantum theory and its application to atomic physics and gives them the skills to solve some straightforward problems in quantum mechanics and atomic theory. These skills and knowledge are used to look at applications and examples of quantum theory such as scanning tunneling electron microscopes and nuclear fusion in stars.
The module features a mathematics component that includes the use of various coordinate systems, linear algebra, Fourier methods and vector calculus.

Aims
This module aims to introduce the students to quantum theory and its application to atomic physics and to give them the skills to solve the more straightforward problems and applications in these areas.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-20006/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve problems in physics: 1,2,3,4
find or verify solutions to the 1-dimensional Schrodinger equation for simple potentials: 1,2,3,4
describe quantitatively applications and examples of quantum behaviour: 1,2,3,4
understand the origin and structure of energy levels for electrons in simple atoms: 1,2,3,4
describe and apply first-order time-independent perturbation theory: 1,2,3,4
use the Born interpretation of wave function to predict the observed properties of quantum systems: 1,2,3,4

Study hours

28 hours of lectures on quantum mechanics, atomic physics and mathematical techniques.
14 hours problem classes on quantum mechanics and atomic physics and mathematical techniques.
8 hours completion of problem sheets.
97 hours examination revision and private study.
1 hour mathematics class test
2 hour exam

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Unseen Exam weighted 60%
2 hour unseen exam
Section A: 10 short questions. Students to attempt all questions = 40% in total. Section B: A choice of 2 questions out of 3 = 60% in total.

2: Class Test weighted 20%
1 Maths Class Test
Unseen test with 4-6 questions.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 10%
3 problem sheets
3 problem sheets with questions on quantum mechanics and mathematics.

4: Tutorial weighted 10%
Completing assigned problems on Quantum Mechanics and Mathematics in problem classes
Completing the assigned problems in problem classes.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024