Physics 709 Applied Quantum Mechanics

                                      Fall 2005

                                                           TU 2:30-3:45    CW 146

Instructor: C. D. Lin
CW230   532-1617
cdlin@phys.ksu.edu
 
Help session: M 5:30-7:00 CW146

                        Visit me at my office or send me an e-mail

Textbook: None.

                   Lecture notes and materials from web will be used.

Supplements:
   Any typical Quantum Mechanics textbooks
   Quantum Physics, S. Gasiorowicz (G)
   Applied Quantum Mechanics, Walter Harrison (H)
   Principles of Quantum Mechanics, 2nd ed. R. Shankar (S)

 Grading:
  two quizzes    20% each
  final               20%
  Homework      40%

  Examination dates:
    Exam 1:  Oct 13, Thursday (new date)
    Exam 2:  Nov. 17, Thursday
    Final exam (comprehensive)

 Guidelines for homework:
  This is a course on applying quantum mechanics to solving real problems. You are to learn mostly by doing the homework. One set of homework will be given each week. Typically, lecture notes and the homework will be posted on the web in the beginning of the week. You should start looking at the homework problems as soon as possible. The following Monday during the help session we will have "general" discussions. Students who got no idea on a particular problem should raise the questions and I will ask other students to explain, with my help, perhaps. About 40% of your homework grade will come from your participation in these discussions. The following Thursday you will have to turn in the written homework.

 I will not grade each homework for every student. I will read some and just check the others.  You are free to discuss with other students but you have to write up your own. If you appreciate the help from an individual classmate, tell me so on your papers. Remember the best way to learn is to teach. By explaining to others you will know that you indeed understand or not. So try to help other students and you can learn from each other. Being able to explain clearly and logically is an important part of your education.

   Some homework will require computer work. If you are still too green with computers, you may request additional time by e-mail. 

   Once you finish a calculation, look at the answer and ask yourself if it makes sense to you. If not, say so and why. This will give you extra credit.

Students with disabilities:
   If you have any condition such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me and contact the Disabled Students Office (Holton 202), in the first two weeks of the course

Plagiarism:
  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the University.  For more information refer to the “Academic Dishonesty” policy in K-State Undergraduate Catalog and the Undergraduate Honor System Policy on the Provost’s web page at http://www.ksu.edu/honor/

Tentative Course Outline:

Here are the topics in Quantum Mechanics that will be covered. I will start with a short review on each topic and then select  examples from atoms, molecules, condensed matter, high-energy physics and others, if appropriate, where such a theory has been used.

1. Simple problems in 1D

2. Simple problems in 3D

3. Symmetry, Operators and Representations

4. Spin and angular momentum algebra

5. Two-state problems

6. Simple scattering theory and applications

7. Perturbation theory