Quantum Theory (U01438)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PHY-4-QuantTh

In this course we review the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics, introduce the path integral for a non-relativistic point particle, and use it to derive time-dependent perturbation theory and the Born series for non-relativistic scattering. The course concludes with an introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and the ideas of quantum field theory.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 80 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q. Tensors & Fields (PHY-3-TensFlds), Lagrangian Dynamics (PHY-3-LagDyn), Complex Variable (MAT-3-CoV) or Complex Variables & Differential Equations (MAT-3-CVD), and Quantum Physics (PHY-4-QuantPh) are desirable.

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Quantum Theory (VS1) (Not being delivered)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	12:00	13:00	Lecture Room 3218, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	KB
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:
1)understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics
2)understand the path integral representation of quantum mechanics
3)understand the operator formulation of quantum mechanics
4)understand time dependent perturbation theory in quantum mechanics
5)understand how to apply perturbation theory to describe scattering
6)understand the form and construction of relativistic wave equations
7)appreciate the need for quantum field theory

In all the above the generic word "understand" is used to mean that the student must be able to use what s/he has learned to solve a range of unseen problems. The style and level of difficulty of these problems may be found from solving the examples provided in the course, and by the study of past exam papers. A more complete specification of the material included in the course may be found in the syllabus. It is intended that there will be a two-hour workshop each week.