FYS3110 – Quantum Mechanics

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.

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).

• MAT1120 – Linear Algebra
• FYS2130 – Oscillations and Waves
• FYS2140 – Quantum Physics

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

• 4 hours of lectures
• 3 hours of exercises

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

See rules for mandatory activities.

• Final written exam which counts 100 % towards the final grade.

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

Final written exam:

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

Information about approved calculators (in Norwegian)

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

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

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

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.