Quantum Mechanics A

Fall 2009 PHYS 1410 S01

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Instructor: John Bradley Marston

Please check the Detailed Class Information for up to date information about this course.

Information on meeting times for this course can be found on Course Schedule at http://selfservice.brown.edu

Course Description

A unified treatment of quanta, photons, electrons, atoms, molecules, matter, nuclei, and particles. Quantum mechanics developed at the start and used to link and explain both the older and newer experimental phenomena of modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 0500, 0560; or MATH 0520, 0540; or approved equivalents.

Instructor's Description

Course Goals: (1) A central goal of the course is to attain an understanding of the formal mathematical postulates upon which quantum theory rests. (2) Another central goal of the course is to attain an ability to solve concrete problems in quantum mechanics. To do this successfully the student must be able to apply the abstract foundational principles of quantum mechanics to specific problems. Use of dimensional analysis and the reasonableness criteria will be of crucial importance, guiding the student to the correct solution of the problem. (3) Finally some philosophical implications of quantum mechanics (supplemented with a few key readings) will be discussed.

Assignments and Grading

There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis.

Grading: Classroom participation = 10% Homework = 15% Midterm Exams = 2 x 20% = 40% Final Exam = 35%

Readings and Required Texts

R. Shankar, \"Principles of Quantum Mechanics\" (2nd edition, corrected printing) and David J. Griffiths, \"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics\" (2nd edition)

Additional Meetings/Labs

There is an optional (but recommended) weekly conference section.