FYS3110 – Quantum Mechanics

Course content

This is an intermediate course in quantum mechanics. Its focus is on how to formulate quantum mechanical calculations. The course starts with the Dirac-notation and the fundamental postulates. Then several important exactly solvable systems are treated. Finally, introductions are made to various approximation methods.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you will:

  • master the central concepts of quantum mechanics and its fundamental postulates, master the Dirac-notation, and know how to calculate time development and measurement results with associated probabilities for pure quantum states.
  • know how some important quantum systems can be solved exactly using ladder operators, and how to use these to carry out calculations.
  • know how to treat spin-1/2 systems quantitatively, and construct and calculate properties of composite spin states.
  • know how to formulate and solve simple composite quantum mechanical systems with several degrees of freedom, and use symmetries to simplify.
  • be able to apply fundamental quantum mechanical calculational methods such as the variational method, stationary and time-dependent perturbation theory, and scattering theory.
  • have knowledge about spontaneous and stimulated emission/absorption, selection rules, Slater determinant, bosons/fermions, energy levels and eigenfunctions of periodic structures, and atomic fine- and hyperfine-structure.

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).

Teaching

The course is taught throughout the semester and includes 7 hours of teaching per week:

  • 4 hours of lectures 
  • 2+1 hours of exercises

This course has ca. 12 sets of weekly assignments. Before you can take the final exam, you must participate in the correction of and get at least three of the first six and at least three of the last six weekly assignments approved.

Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found here.

Examination

  • Midterm home exam which counts 25 % towards the final grade
  • Final written exam which counts 75 % towards the final grade

The final written examination must be passed in order to get a final grade in the course.

Before you can take the final written exam, you must participate in the correction of and get at least three of the first six and at least three of the last six weekly assignments approved.

Examination support material

Midterm exam:

  • All examination support materials allowed

Final written exam:

  • Approved calculator
  • K. Rottmann: "Matematisk formelsamling"
  • One handwritten A4 page with notes (2 pages)
  • Textbook: A. Berera and L. Del Debbio, "Quantum Mechanics"
  • Two printed lecture notes: "Atoms and solids" and "Zeeman effect and hyperfine splitting" 

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English.

You may write your examination paper 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

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

More about examinations at UiO

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

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 19, 2024 5:26:09 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)