Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PH 352 - Quantum Physics

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This is an elective course for students who want to further their knowledge of quantum physics and its applications. Topics may vary from offering to offering, dependent on student interest, and may include atomic, molecular, and solid state solutions to the non-relativistic Schrodinger equation, discussions of macroscopic quantum phenomena, including superfluidity, superconductivity, and magnetism, as well as an overview of relativistic quantum mechanics, Feynman diagrams, elementary particles and a review of the Standard Model. (prereq: PH 2030 or PH 2031  or consent of instructor)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Solve the Schrodinger equation for piece-wise constant potentials in one dimension
  • Understand the importance of spin and angular momentum in determining the quantum states of atoms and molecules
  • Use boson and fermion statistics to determine the properties of systems that manifest quantum behavior on a macroscopic scale
  • Draw Feynman diagrams showing the fundamental interactions between elementary particles
  • Have gained a rudimentary understanding of the Standard Model of fundamental particles and interactions

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Elementary understanding of quantum phenomena
  • Basic differential equations

Course Topics
  • Review of the historical background of quantum mechanics
  • 1-Dimensional solutions to the Schrodinger equation
  • Expectation values and operators
  • Atomic physics
  • Classical and quantum statistics. Bosons and fermions
  • Applications of quantum statistics to macroscopic quantum phenomena
  • Elementary particles, fundamental forces and the Standard Model
  • Beyond the Standard Model

Coordinator
Dr. Robert Olsson



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