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FYS-KJM4480 - Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems

Course content

This course gives an introduction to the quantum mechanics of many-body systems and the computational methods relevant for many-body problems in such diverse areas as atomic, molecular, solid-state and nuclear physics, chemistry and materials science. A theoretical understanding of the behavior of quantum-mechanical many-body systems - that is, systems containing many interacting particles - is a considerable challenge in that no exact solution can be found; instead, reliable methods are needed for approximate but accurate simulations of such systems on modern computers. Besides the intrinsic theoretical interest in such methods, they are of great pratical importance in modern research and industry, in fields such as semi-conductor physics, materials science and pharmaceutics.

The aim of this course is to present some of the most widely used many-body methods, starting with the underlying formalism of second quantization and with emphasis on non-relativistic theory. The topics covered are the Feynman diagram rules, microscopic mean-field theories (Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham theories), many-body perturbation theory, large-scale diagonalization methods, coupled-cluster theory, and Green's function approaches. Both fermionic and bosonic systems are discussed. Selected physical systems from various fields such as chemistry, solid-state physics and nuclear physics are studied, depending on the background and interests of the participants.

Learning outcomes

The student should be able to apply these methods to selected physical systems as presented. He/she should have a clear understanding of central many-body methods.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Recommended prior knowledge

A good background in mathematics is needed. Courses like FYS3110 - Quantum mechanics or FYS-MENA3110 - Kvantenanofysikk are recommended.

Overlap

10 credits against FYS-KJM9480 - Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems.

Teaching

The course contains 4 hours of lectures per week. The course also contains 2 hours of group work per week.

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

Mid term project assignment which is given 30% weight in the final grading in the course. Final written exam (4 hours) which is given 70% weight in the final grading in the course.

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

The language of examination is Norwegian. You can apply to the administrators of the course to be given the exam text in English. It is possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Special facilities (in Norwegian only)

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation of this course

The course was evaluated in Autumn 2009.

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