FYS9480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

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. The topics covered are Feynman diagram rules, microscopic mean-field theories (Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham theories, natural orbitals), many-body perturbation theory, large-scale diagonalization methods, coupled-cluster theory, quantum computing algorithms for solving quantum-mechanical many-body problems.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you should:

  • be able to apply these methods to selected physical systems.
  • have a clear understanding of central many-body methods and their strengths and weaknesses.
  • understand the role of many-body correlations starting from various mean field approaches.
  • be able to use second quantization to develop many-body contributions.
  • be able to develop smaller programs that implement central many-body methods.

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.

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

A good background in mathematics is needed.

Other recommended courses: FYS3110 – Quantum Mechanics

Overlapping courses

Teaching

This course has four hours of lectures per week and two hours of group teaching / problem solving.

The group teaching / problem solving sessions include work on weekly exercises and projects.

Examination

  • Two project assignments that each count 25 % each towards the final grade (50 % in total).
  • Final oral or written exam which counts 50 % towards the final grade. An oral or written exam is decided based on the number of students who register for the course.

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: FYS4480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems, FYS-KJM4480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems (discontinued), FYS-KJM9480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems (discontinued)

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

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 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.

More about examinations at UiO

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

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:32:22 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching.
Examination
Autumn

Contact

Department of Physics