Course content

Review of fundamental principles in quantum mechanics. General formulation of quantum mechanics, including Dirac's bra-ket notation and the harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum: spin, orbital angular momentum and addition of angular momenta. Identical particles: ideal Fermi gas and ideal Bose gas; Fermi-Dirac and Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions; atoms and solids. Perturbation theory.

Learning outcome

The student is supposed to:
i) master the central aspects of basic quantum mechanics: basic postulates and central theorems, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, expansions in terms of eigenfunctions, stationary and non-stationary states, square-well potential, harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom,
ii) learn how to use the Dirac formalism, and how to apply operator algebra to quantize angular momentum and the harmonic oscillator,
iii) master spin formalism and addition of angular momenta,
iv) appreciate the theory and the implications of identical particles, especially ideal Fermi and Bose gases,
v) understand the main concepts of perturbation theory.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. Computational physics components may be included in the lectures and the homework assignments. The re-sit examination (in August) may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Introductory university physics, including knowledge corresponding to the courses TFY4160 Wave physics and TFY4215 Introduction to quantum physics.

Course materials

1) D. J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Pearson, 2005. (This book will be used mainly.)
2) P. C. Hemmer: Kvantemekanikk, Tapir, 2005. (In Norwegian; this book will be used for review and the general formulation of quantum mechanics.)
3) B.H. Bransden & C.J. Joachain: Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2000. (This book will only be used for perturbation theory.)
4) Lecture notes, including numerical codes.

Credit reductions