FYS9110 – Modern Quantum Mechanics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course gives an introduction to some advanced topics in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. We discuss three main topics: Basic formalism and the probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics, with emphasis on entanglement and the EPR paradox. Quantum systems as information carriers and how this is used in communication and quantum computing. The interaction between and quantized fields (photons), which gives the possibility to discuss spontaneous and stimulated emission, illustrated by the principles of lasers.
Learning outcome
After finishing the course:
- you will have insight in "modern" aspects of quantum mechanics, including quantum coherence, coherent interaction between atoms and photons, and quantum entanglement.
- you will be able to use the density matrix formulation and study the relation between quantum subsystems and a total quantum state.
- you have deep knowledge of the difference between classical correlations and quantum entanglement.
- you can apply the quantum mechanical description of photons on elementary radiation processes.
- you have knowledge of the basic concepts in quantum information theory and how these can be applied in quantum computers.
- you have knowledge of geometrical structures in the Hilbert space and geometric phases in adiabatic change of state.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Recommended previous knowledge
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS4110 – Modern Quantum Mechanics.
Teaching
The course is given for a full semester with 6 hours teaching every week (lectures and problem solving).
Examination
- A home examination in the middle of the semester, which counts 20 % towards the final grade.
- A final written examination which counts 80 % towards the final grade.
Both the home examination and the final written exam must be passed in order to get a final grade in the course.
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.
It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS4110 – Modern Quantum Mechanics
Examination support material
Mid-semester home examination:
- All examination support material is allowed
Final examination:
- Approved calculator
- Rottman: "Matematisk formelsamling"
- Øgrim and Lian or Angell and Lian: "Fysiske størrelser og enheter"
- One A4-sheet (2 pages) of personal notes
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 pass/fail scale. 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.