Quantum Mechanics

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Quantum theory governs the universe at its most basic level but also relates to its largest scales. In the first half of the 20th century natural sciences were turned on its head by the radical discoveries of Einstein, Planck, Bohr, Heisenberg, and Schrödinger. An entire new logical and mathematical foundation —quantum mechanics— eventually replaced classical physics. We will explore the quantum world, including the particle theory of light, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and the Schrödinger Equation. This course aims at an understanding of the fundamental principles of Quantum Mechanics, and its applications to physics. The course is organized around the following topics: the non-intuitive nature of quantum mechanics; basic logic in classical and quantum mechanics; the time evolution of quantum systems; quantum entanglement and the nature of reality; particles moving in one dimension and their operators; the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Each of these subjects is taught on a theoretical level as lecture, and on a practical level with exercises. Moreover, Students collaborate in teams in a QM problem oriented project. This course relates to the practical skill courses Physics Laboratory PRA1003, PRA2007, and PRA3002.