PHYS 8102: Quantum Mechanics II
University of Georgia, Spring 2007
TR Period 3 (11:00-12:15 PM), Room 254
Instructor: Professor Steven P. Lewis Phone: 542-0158
313B Physics Building Email: lewis@physast.uga.edu
Office hours: Wednesday 2:00-3:00 PM, Thursday 2:30-3:30 PM, or by appointment
Textbook: Modern Quantum Mechanics by J. J. Sakurai (Addison Wesley, 1994). [N.B., Not all of the course material will come from this textbook.]
Boot camp: I am not entirely convinced this was a successful enterprise last semester, but would be interested in hearing from you on the subject. I would be happy to continue with it, if there is interest. More later.
This is the second half of a two-semester graduate course on theoretical quantum mechanics. It is assumed that you have taken the first half and have also had a rigorous undergraduate course on quantum mechanics at the level of these classic textbooks: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths, Quantum Physics by Gasiorowicz, or Introductory Quantum Mechanics by Liboff. The level of mathematical sophistication in this course is comparable to that of the first half, and it is assumed that your problem-solving skills are strong. If you feel that you might not be adequately prepared yet to take this class, come see me and we can discuss your situation and options.
Quantum mechanics is a fascinating subject, rich in its physical scope and elegant in its mathematical structure. Quantum mechanics is also a rigorous, intellectually demanding subject. The natural consequence of these two aspects of quantum mechanics is that you will undoubtedly need to work very hard to learn this subject deeply, but you will be rewarded for your efforts by gaining insight into the fascinating nature of the quantum world. What do I mean by “work very hard”? This varies from student to student, of course, but I anticipate that you will spend ~15 hours per week outside of class on this class. This may sound daunting, but I bet you’ll find that you have it in you to do it. And I have no doubt that you’ll find quantum mechanics is worth the effort.
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Grades: Your grade for this course will be based on homework (30%), a midterm exam (35%), and a final exam (35%). The two exams will be equivalent, in the sense that the midterm will cover material from the first half of the semester, and the final will emphasize material from the second half. Of course, since quantum mechanics builds on a foundation as it progresses, it will not be possible for either exam to be totally decoupled from the first-semester material, or for the final to be totally decoupled from the midterm.
Ranges for semester letter grades will be no worse for you than the following:
A = [87-100] C+ = [73-75)
A- = [85-87) C = [67-73)
B+ = [83-85) C- = [65-67)
B = [77-83) D = [50-65)
B- = [75-77)
Here a square bracket implies that the end point is included in the range, and a round bracket (parenthesis) implies that the end point is not included in the range. Actual grade ranges may end up having lower cutoffs, depending on the overall level of performance.
Exams: In order to make the two exams equivalent, it will be necessary to give you more than the 75-minute class period for the midterm. Therefore, we will need to schedule a time outside of class when all students will be able to meet for 2-3 hours. This will be a one-time instance, and arrangements will be made as the exam date approaches. The midterm will probably take place sometime in either the week of February 26 or the week of March 5. Both exams will be closed-book and closed-notes.
Homework: Doing lots of homework problems is by far the best way to learn quantum mechanics. You will have 7-9 homework sets this semester, due 1-2 weeks after it is assigned (specific due dates will be given). I expect your homework papers to be written up neatly and handed in on time. Late homework, without a valid excuse or a prior extension, will receive a penalty. Incomplete homework assignments (i.e., problems or parts of problems either missing or inadequately attempted) may be returned for completion and subject to a lateness penalty. I strongly advise you to start homework sets as soon as they are assigned and not wait until there are only one or two days left.
I also strongly encourage you to work with other classmates on homework. You can really learn a lot from each other by working together to puzzle through tough problems. That said, you must each turn in your own original work. It is not acceptable to copy from each other, or from any other resource for that matter. On the last page of each homework set you hand in, please list the names of the people you worked with. Also, if significant insights for any problem solutions come from other textbooks, websites, people, or any other source, make sure you cite your sources clearly and fully.
The manner of grading homework will depend on whether or not a grader is assigned. Further details will follow in the first few weeks of the semester.
Course Neglect: Any student who is showing serious neglect for this course (e.g., failing to turn in homework or turning it in very late, rarely or never attending class, etc.) may be asked to withdraw, or alternatively, may be withdrawn by the instructor. Such cases will be brought to the attention of the Graduate Coordinator.
Academic Honesty Policy: The University of Georgia has a comprehensive policy on academic honesty, which you should all be aware of. The complete policy statement can be viewed online at: www.uga.edu/ovpi/academic_honesty/culture_honesty.htm.