:
Quantum Theory I Syllabus
Instructor
Dr. Moshe Goldstein
Email: mgoldstein@post.tau.ac.il
Academic Year, Semesters
Semester B
Number of Hours/ Credits : 5
Mandatory/Elective
mandatory
Prerequisites
Analytical mechanics, mathematical methods 1+2 (in parallel)
Year in program & how often given, if relevant
B.Sc., 2nd year
Course overview – short abstract
The experimental basis of the quantum theory. Amplitudes and probabilities, the Schrödinger equation. Operators and observables. Particle in a one-dimensional potential. Bound states in a central potential. Angular momentum algebra, spin. Interaction of an electron with a magnetic field. Symmetry.
Learning outcomes – short description (if you don’t have LOs, then don’t write anything in this part)
Assessment: coursework and grade structure
Assignments – 10%
Final exams – 80%
Week-by-week content, assignments and reading
Week 1: Experimental basis for quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality
Week 2: The wavefunction and its interpretation; the Schoerdinger equation, probability current
Week 3: 1D infinite square potential well, 1D free particle
Week 4: 1D finite square potential well – bound states, delta function potential
Week 5: 1D scattering (square potential well and barrier, potential step)
Week 6: Formalism of quantum mechanics, Hilbert spaces, operators
Week 7: measurements and collapse, time development: Ehernfest theorem, Schroedinger and Heisenberg pictures
Week 8: 1D harmonic oscillator – differential equation, ladder operators, coherent states
Week 9: 3D rotationally invariant potentials, angular momentum
Week 10: spin, Stern-Gerlach, Zeeman, paramagnetic resonance
Week 11: Hydrogen atom, the periodic table
Week 12: Magnetic field, Landau levels, the Aharonov-Bohm effect
Week 13: Entanglement and Bell’s inequality
Required text – in language of origin (if Hebrew or Arabic, no need to translate it)
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, D.J. Griffiths
Quantum Physics, S. Gasiorowicz
Quantum Mechanics, E. Merzbacher
Volume 3: Quantum Mechanics (Nonrelativistic theory), L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz
Quantum Mechanics (2 volumes), C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu, and F. Laloe
