Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-08 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameKvantfysik
- CodeTIF395
- Credits9 Credits
- OwnerTKTFY
- Education cycleFirst-cycle
- Main field of studyChemical Engineering with Engineering Physics, Engineering Physics
- DepartmentPHYSICS
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language Swedish
- Application code 57140
- Maximum participants170
- Block schedule
- Open for exchange studentsNo
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0123 Laboratory 1.5 c Grading: UG | 1.5 c | ||||||
| 0223 Written and oral assignments 4.5 c Grading: TH | 4.5 c | ||||||
| 0323 Examination 3 c Grading: TH | 3 c |
|
In programmes
- TKGBS - GLOBAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, Year 3 (elective)
- TKKEF - CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WITH ENGINEERING PHYSICS, Year 3 (compulsory)
- TKTFY - ENGINEERING PHYSICS, Year 3 (compulsory)
Examiner
- Tom Blackburn
- Senior Lecturer, Institution of physics at Gothenburg University
Eligibility
General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Specific entry requirements
The same as for the programme that owns the course.Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Course specific prerequisites
Linear algebra, multivariable analysis and mechanics.
Aim
The aim of this course is that participants should become familiar with the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. Participants will acquire the mathematical and conceptual tools needed to describe physical systems quantum-mechanically, and then apply these tools to generate predictions of practically relevant quantum-mechanical phenomena. It also aims to bring out the connections between quantum-mechanical concepts and classical physics, chemistry, and technological applications. The emphasis is on problem solving.
Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- Describe quantum-mechanical systems using quantum states, wavefunctions and probability amplitudes.
- Predict particle motion in one-dimensional and three-dimensional (spherically symmetric) potentials, including the "particle in a box", the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom.
- Explain quantum-mechanical phenomena in terms of wavefunction collapse, interference and the uncertainty and exclusion principles.
- Account for how quantum-mechanical methods are applied in chemistry and technology.
Content
- Experimental background: why do we need quantum mechanics?
- Probability and probability amplitudes
- States and wavefunctions
- Position and momentum operators, the Hamiltonian
- Measurement and expectation values
- Time-independent and time-dependent Schrödinger equations
- Free particles
- One-dimensional potentials: bound states, scattering and tunnelling
- The harmonic oscillator
- Perturbation theory
- Rotations, angular momentum and spin
- The hydrogen atom (gross and fine structure)
- Multiparticle systems
- Atoms and molecules
- Quantum computing
Organisation
Lectures and problem sessions. One laboratory assignment, at a chosen time during course.
Literature
"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. GriffithsExamination including compulsory elements
Comprises three components:- Hand-in problems (20% x 3)
- Laboratory session
- Written exam (40%)
In order to pass the course (grade 3), the student must obtain at least 40 % of the total points in the hand-in problems, at least 40 % of the total points in the exam, and have completed the laboratory assignment. Higher grades require, in addition to the above, that the combined score from the hand-in problems and the exam, weighted by 60 % and 40 % respectively, exceeds 60 % for grade 4or 80 % for grade 5.
The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.