Physics 401/401 (Quantum Mechanics) provides an introduction to
quantum mechanics intended for undergraduate students in physics
or engineering. Part I (PY401) covers the Schroedinger equation,
simple solutions (harmonic oscillator, Hydrogen atom), Spin,
and the abstract (Bra/Ket) formalism.
Lecture:
TTh 10:15-11:30, RID 315
Instructor: T. Schaefer, Office RID
email: Thomas_Schaefer[at]ncsu.edu
Office hours: Wed 2:00-4:00 and by appointment.
Homework:
Most thursdays a set of homework problems
will be assigned. (You can also check the website.) The homework
is due thursday the following week.
Exams
There will be two midterm exams, some quizzes, and a final.
Grade
Your final grade will be determined by weighting the various
portions of the course as follows:
Midterms: 30%, Quizzes: 10%, Final: 30%, Homework: 30%
Textbook
Quantum Mechanics by Phillip J. E. Peebles, Princeton Univeristy Press.
Supplemental Material:
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, by David Griffiths, Benjamin Cummings.
A popular undergraduate text book. Not as well thought out as Peebles,
but structure closer to typical introductory physics books.
Modern Quantum Mechanics, by J. J. Sakurai, Addison Wesley.
Not a good text book, but very useful supplement for both undergraduate
and graduate students.
Principles of Quantum Mechanics, by R. Shankar, Springer.
A little more challenging, and frequently used as a graduate textbook.
Very well written and good for self study.
Course Information: [pdf]
Handouts: [Numerical solution of Schroedinger equation:
nb,
pdf]
[Same for potential with two bound states:
nb,
pdf]
[Coulomb wave functions]
Rules: Homework is due in class. No late homework accepted.