Quantum Physics (PHYC30018)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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Quantum mechanics plays a central role in our understanding of fundamental phenomena, primarily in the microscopic domain. It lays the foundation for an understanding of atomic, molecular, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics.

Topics covered include:

  • the basic principles of quantum mechanics (probability interpretation; Schrödinger equation; Hermitian operators, eigenstates and observables; symmetrisation, antisymmetrisation and the Pauli exclusion principle; entanglement)
  • wave packets, Fourier transforms and momentum space
  • eigenvalue spectra and delta-function normalisation
  • Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • matrix theory of spin
  • the Hilbert space or state vector formation using Dirac bra-ket notation
  • the harmonic oscillator
  • the quantisation of angular momentum and the central force problem including the hydrogen atom
  • approximation techniques including perturbation theory and the variational method
  • applications to atomic and other systems.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject should be able to:



  • explain the basic principles of quantum physics including the probability interpretation, unitary time-evolution, the association of operators with observables, Pauli exclusion principle, and entanglement;
  • solve elementary problems involving intrinsic spin;
  • solve problems by applying quantum mechanical theory to situations involving atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and elementary particles;
  • appreciate the importance of approximation techniques in quantum mechanics.

Generic skills

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

  • analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations
  • apply abstract concepts to real-world situations
  • solve relatively complicated problems using approximations
  • participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions
  • manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake the written assignments and the examination.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Physics

All three of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20009 Thermal and Classical Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20010 Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
Year Long (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20011 Electromagnetism and Optics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

both:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

And one of:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20013 Laboratory and Computational Physics 2
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
CHEM20019 Practical Chemistry 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

(PHYC20013 may be taken concurrently)

And Mathematics

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

And at least one of

 

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20026 Real Analysis
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • One written assignment to an equivalent of 1500 words during the semester (15%)
  • One poster presentation (15%)
  • A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (70%)

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorRaymond Volkas
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2017
    Census date31 March 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017
    Assessment period ends23 June 2017

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: PHYC30018@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

    Recommended texts and other resources

    • D J Griffiths Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Ed, Pearson Prentice Hall 2005.
    • E Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics, Wiley
  • Subject notes

    This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    MajorMathematical Physics
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    MajorPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationChemical Physics
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 9 April 2025