School: School of Arts and Sciences

Semester: Monsoon 2023 (August 1, 2023 - November 26, 2023)

Application Deadline: July 28, 2023

Credits: 3

Lecture Time & Weekdays

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Course Description

Quantum Mechanics is probably the most profound scientific development in modern times. Its development and advancement has revolutionised human activities. Be it the electronic instruments we use today, be it the development of solar cells as a renewable source of energy, be it the spectroscopy that we need for any biological or chemical discoveries, there is hardly any sphere of activities that does not need quantum mechanics. In this course the students will be exposed to this subject which involves the most dramatic departure from our understanding of the macroscopic world at the microscopic scales. Students will be introduced to the probabilistic concepts in studying the microscopic world which involves both new theoretical developments as well as rigorous mathematical concepts from linear algebra, differential equations and many more. 

In Quantum Mechanics I, to start with, the failure of classical physics in the microscopic world will be discussed in terms of some very important experiments. Subsequently the idea of quantum mechanics will be introduced. Finally few simple quantum mechanical systems will be introduced and related mathematical concepts will be taught.

Course Objectives: 

  • To introduce the Quantum Mechanical postulates for physical systems
  • To introduce the Quantum Mechanical concepts of measurements for physical systems 
  • To introduce the role of Quantum Mechanics on evolution of the physical systems in our Universe
  • To introduce the concept of Quantum Mechanics in simple microscopic systems and its connection to actual observable.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to describe:

  • Failure of classical physics at the microscopic level
  • Basic non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics
  • Matrix representation of Quantum Mechanics

They will have skills to do the following:

  • Apply principles of Quantum Mechanics to calculate observables for given wave functions
  • Solve Schrodinger equation for simple systems like simple harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, particle in a box, etc.

Students will also gain following competence:

  • Applying non-relativistic quantum mechanics to areas like spectroscopy, nanotechnology and solid state physics.

Pedagogy: Lectures, problem solving, assignments and related discussions.

Expectation from Students: The students are expected to attend the class regularly and also are expected to engage in all discussions. Not only the suggested text book, but they are expected to consult other textbooks, articles and suggested online resources. They are expected to solve regularly the problems provided during the lectures and in problem sheets.

Assessment/Evaluation

  • Other Components:
    • Viva - 10%
    • Quiz - 15%
    • Assignment - 20%
    • Project - 15%
  • Mid Semester Examination: 20%
  • End Semester Examination: 20%

Attendance Policy: As per Ahmedabad University Policy

Project/Assignment Details: 

  • Regular Problem Sheets
  • Two Quizzes
  • One Writing Assignment at the end of the course on a topic that is taught during the course

Course Material

Berkeley Physics Course Volume 4
Quantum Mechanics, 
E. Wichman
McGraw Hill 

Quantum Mechanics
Leonard Schiff
Tata McGraw Hill
 

Faculty

GAURAV GOSWAMI

GAURAV GOSWAMI

Assistant Professor
School of Arts and Sciences

[email protected]

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