Physics 346: Quantum Mechanics

This class puts the wavefunction through its paces, using a wide set of techniques, applications and approximation methods to get at it and its observable properties.

The wavefunction's weirdness is all too easily ignored when using it to calculate the properties of quantum systems, but we will discuss the strange thing measurement becomes with the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics (think Schrodinger's cat).

This website gives the syllabus and general reminders. Specific handouts, solutions, etc are distributed via the class e-mail list.

Instructor: Sarah Yost, PENGL113

Class Hours:
1-3-5
167 PENGL, 11;20 - 12:30

Office Hours:

9:30-10:30 AM, or just drop by; I'm almost always in

Note: I teach on days 2-4-6 at 1:00
I supervise labs days 1 and 2: 5-9 PM and can be found in rooms 102, 106 PENGL

Syllabus

This file contains the course topic breakdown, approximate test dates, expected homework format, and other information.

Some Syllabus Information

Text: "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by D. Griffiths

Grading: includes in-class activities (5%), homework (20%), 3 in-class tests (each 15%), and a comprehensive final exam (1-3 PM Dec 14, set by the registrar).

Anticipated Grade Scale:

Grade	Percentage	
A	90
B	80
C	65
D	50
F       < 50
(intermediate grades will be used, but are not set without seeing student results)

Please note my grading expectations for partial credit.

Homework

EVERY homework question that isn't marked ``no explanation required'' must clearly include in your own words what the basic concept / idea is, why you select equations to use, and why you do substitutions, set equations equal to each other, or set something to zero. Algebra, calculus and mathematical simplification do not require explanations.

I neither want nor expect essays. Annotations / pointform are good. Remember that you are making these notes for your own review later.

On a 10-point scale, the initial verbal explanation is ordinarily worth 3 points. Due to time constraints, these full explanations will not be expected on tests and quizzes.

Apart from including explanations, homework sets must:
1. Have all the mathematical work required to show how you arrived at the answer
2. Be legible and organized. This includes having no more than two problems per page (and that would be very short problems! most require at least one page side to show all the work)
3. Be SECURED together (passing the ``shake test'')

Please note CSBSJU's academic honesty policy. It is quite helpful to work in groups at times to solve homework problems, and this collective effort is not plagiarism. You may be asked to explain something, however, and you must find a way to say it in your own words.

Any unauthorized use of solution guides (particularly ``Instructor's Guides'') constitutes academic dishonesty. Presenting work assisted by such items is plagiarism.

Solutions

Will be sent by e-mail as PDF files. Any Web browser should be able to view them. Please let me know about any problems.