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Physics 321 - Quantum Theory I
Spring 2024
Professor: Dr. Chad A. Middleton

Classroom	Wubben Hall 218
Class Hours	10-10:50 MON, WED, & FRI
Office	Wubben Hall 228A
Office Hours	9-10 MON, WED, & FRI 10-11 TUE & THU
Office Phone	970-248-1173
Email	[email protected]
Web Page	www.coloradomesa.edu/~chmiddle/321/

Required Text

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David J. Griffiths and Darrell F. Schroeter; 3rd Edition
ISBN: 9781107189638

Course Description

The objective of this course is to provide you with a solid foundation in the physics of introductory quantum mechanics, particularly, wave and matrix mechanics.
Quantum mechanics is the study of nature at the subatomic scale. At this distance regime, a deterministic view of nature (one where observables such as position & momentum can be measured, in principle, with infinite precision) must be abandoned and replaced with that of an indeterministic view dictated by probabilities and uncertainty. This indeterminacy is NOT due to a deficiency of the theory but is rather due to nature itself.
According to quantum theory, entities such as the position of a particle are not well-defined until the measuring process is performed. Prior to measurement, the particle simply does not have a unique position! The very act of measurement forces the particle to choose a single, unambiguous state. In this sense, the observer creates reality itself.
Think all of this is too weird to possibly be correct? Rest assured that there has been an abundance of experiments performed over the last ninety years testing theoretical predictions made by quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics has never made a false prediction!
Welcome to the bizarre and fascinating world of quantum physics!

"I think it is safe to say that no one understands quantum mechanics."
--Richard Feynman

From the catalog...

Quantum physics foundation. Includes quantum states, measurements, and time evolution using Dirac formalism for discrete and continuous systems. Connection between Dirac formalism and wave mechanics established and Schrodinger equation solved in various context. Includes particles in piecewise square potentials, tunneling, the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Introduces linear algebra for describing quantum physics and uses techniques for solving differential equations.

Prerequisite: PHYS 231, and MATH 260 or MATH 236

Course Expectations

An undergraduate student should expect to spend on this course a minimum of two hours outside the classroom for every hour in the classroom. The outside hours may vary depending on the number of credit hours or type of course. More details are available from the faculty member or department office and in CMU's Curriculum Policies and Procedures Manual.

Quantum mechanics is inherently mathematical by its very nature. A true understanding of quantum theory will be realized only after you, the student, actually do quantum mechanics (e.g., homework and exam problems). You should treat every homework problem as a test of your understanding of the subject material. Hard work will be demanded from you in this course!

Course Requirements

Assignments

• There will be roughly one assignment per week consisting of approximately 2-6 homework problems per assignment. Assignments are to be turned in by 5 pm on the date due. Late assignments will be penalized by a 10% grade reduction each day they are late.
• You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with your classmates. Working problems with your peers is an excellent learning method, however, anything turned in must be your own work.

Examinations

• There will be four exams during the semester and a cumulative final. Each exam will consist of an in-class section and/or a take-home section.

Grading

Your grade for this course is based on the following activities, weighted as shown

Homework Assignments	20%
4 Exams	60%
Final Examination	20%

Grading Scale:

All graded work will be assigned a numerical score. You may estimate your letter grade by computing a percentage score and comparing it with the table below:

%	Grade
100-88	A
87-79	B
78-70	C
69-60	D
59-0	F

Attendance

Regular class attendance is strongly recommended. You are responsible for all material discussed in class. It is in your best interest to always attend class and arrive on time - this class begins promptly at 10:00 am!

Accommodation for Students with Physical and Learning Disabilities

In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. Students should contact Educational Access Services at 970-248-1856 or Houston Hall, Suite 108 as soon as possible. Please visit https://www.coloradomesa.edu/educational-access for additional information.

Academic Integrity

All incidents of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, plagiarism and cheating, will be handled according to CMU policy. For CMU policy on academic integrity, please refer to 2023-2024 CMU Catalog.

Course Calendar

This is a TENTATIVE course calendar ONLY! The actual course can (and most likely will) deviate from the calendar listed below.

*Although only 20% of the overall grade, the homework assignments are a required component of the course.  Failing to complete the homework assignments could result in you being withdrawn from the course!

 

Grading Scale:

 

All graded work will be assigned a numerical score.  You may estimate the grade by computing a percentage score and comparing it with the table below:

 

Percentage Score	Letter Grade	Percentage Score	Letter Grade
88-100	A	60-69	D
79-87	B	Below 60	F
70-78	C

 

Attendance:

 

Regular class attendance is strongly recommended.  You are responsible for all material discussed in class.  It is in your best interest to always attend class and arrive on time - this class begins promptly at 10:00 am!

 

 

Accommodation for Students with Physical and Learning Disabilities:

 

In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities.  Students should contact Educational Access Services at 970-248-1856 or Houston Hall, Suite 108 as soon as possible.  Please visit https://www.coloradomesa.edu/educational-access for additional information.

 

Academic Integrity:

 

All incidents of academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, plagiarism and cheating, will be handled according to CMU policy.  For CMU policy on academic integrity, please refer to 2023-2024 CMU Catalog.

 

Notice: the use of Chegg or an equivalent resource is strictly forbidden!  Obtaining solutions to homework and/or exam problems constitutes a violation of academic dishonesty and will be dealt with accordingly.

 

Course Calendar:

This is a TENTATIVE course calendar ONLY!   The actual course can   (and most likely will) deviate from the calendar listed below.

 

 

**Final Exam:  Monday, May 13 at 10 - 11:50 am**

 

 

Course Learning Objectives:

 

A student who has taken this course will demonstrate the ability to:

 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics including the probabilistic formulation, wave mechanics, operators, normalization, spin, angular momentum, and algebraic methods.
2. Solve Schrodinger’s equation in one, two and three-dimensional regimes.
3. Apply formula to generate special functions and temporal evolution of expectation values.
4. Utilize the methods of linear algebra in the solution and examination of solutions to problems in quantum mechanics.
5. Apply both the wave mechanics and algebraic formulations of quantum mechanics to physical systems.

 

Program-Level Student Learning Objectives:

 

This course satisfies the following Physics-degree student learning objectives:

 

1.     Articulate the knowledge base and show fluency with the ideas and techniques of the major fields of physics (classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and quantum theory).

2.    Translate physical problems into mathematical problems, solve these using appropriate mathematics and extract physically meaningful statements from the solutions.