Department of Physics
Physics 341: Quantum Mechanics
Like all sciences, physics is a cycle of experimental observation and theoretical explanation: observation motivates proposed explanations which predict further observations whose confirmation or refutation informs refinements of the explanations… As far as we know, Quantum Mechanics provides the most exact theoretical structure for modeling observed reality, though its non-classical, probabilistic tools are typically necessary (and tractable) only for fundamentally simple, relatively isolated, and usually small systems. More than any other subject, Quantum Mechanics forces us to recognize that the best any science can promise is a theory that models measurements of nature; in Quantum Mechanics, our speculations on how nature behaves outside of measurements can be famously unsatisfactory. This course is challenging on both mathematical and conceptual fronts – you will employ new mathematical tools that will lead to decidedly non-classical results.
| Lecture: MWF 11:00 - 12:20; AHoN 117 |
Instructor: Eric Hill |
| Office Hours: M 2:30-3:50, Th 9:30-10:50 (if these don't work for you, check my complete schedule for other times I'm free) |
E-mail: eric_hill@redlands.edu |
| Text: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Griffiths 2nd Ed |
Office: AHoN 127 |
|
Phone: ext. 8659 |
Goals
It goes without saying that you’ll deepen your understanding of quantum mechanics and the appropriate techniques in this course. More generally, through this course you should continue to develop your rigorous problem-solving skills – conceptual, analytical, and computational. As they help you to solve complex problems, you’ll also hone your skills of communication as in clearly presenting your work. Thus, of the five major goals that guide our physics curriculum, developing experimental skills is the only one not served by this course.
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