FYS2140 – Quantum Physics

Course content

This course gives an introduction to quantum mechanics, which describes the physics of small scales where experimental behaviour cannot be explained by classical mechanics. You will learn to use the Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, and the Pauli principle to calculate and analyse systems that illustrate quantum mechanical phenomena. The course includes examples to explain the quantization of energy, superposition, wave-particle duality, and tunnelling. This knowledge contributes to a better understanding of elementary nuclear and particle physics, as well as the composition of atoms, molecules and materials. In seminars, you will reflect and discuss scientific questions in groups, and you will also get the opportunity to think broadly about what a particle, energy and time is.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you are able to:

• describe the main features of the historical development of quantum physics.
• discuss and explain the key concepts and principles of quantum physics
• solve the Schrödinger equation for standard systems with both analytical and numerical methods, and then interpret the results.
• explain the physical states of elementary particles and atoms in different systems based on quantum mechanics.
• use commutation relations to explain the outcome of measurements.
• work independently with key questions and problems in quantum physics.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

Recommended previous knowledge

• MAT1100 – Calculus
• MAT1110 – Calculus and Linear Algebra
• MAT1120 – Linear Algebra
• MAT-INF1100 – Modelling and Computations
• IN1900 – Introduction to Programming with Scientific Applications
• FYS-MEK1110 – Mechanics
• FYS1120 – Electromagnetism

Teaching

The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department has to be informed in advance (e-mail studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course.

The course extends over a full semester with 8 hours of teaching per week:

• 4 hours of lectures

• 2 hours of group sessions

• 2 hours of problem-solving

The course includes 11 weekly assignments, of which at least 6 must be submitted and approved before you can take the final exam.

Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found here.

Examination

• Midterm home exam which counts 20 % towards the final grade.
• Final written exam which counts 80 % towards the final grade. 

This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

When writing your exercises make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for use of sources and citations. Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of attempted cheating.

Examination support material

• Approved calculator
• Rottmann: "Matematisk formelsamling"
• Øgrim and Lian or Angell and Lian: "Fysiske størrelser og enheter"
• One A4 sheet of paper with your own handwritten notes (both sides)

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.