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Quantum Physics (PHYC30018)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Physics
All three of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC20009 | Thermal and Classical Physics | No longer available | |
PHYC20010 | Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity | No longer available | |
PHYC20011 | Electromagnetism and Optics | No longer available |
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 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
CHEM20019 | Practical Chemistry 2 | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
(PHYC20013 may be taken concurrently)
And Mathematics
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One written assignment, requiring approximately 20 hours of preparation, study and writing to complete
| Week 5 | 15% |
One poster presentation requiring approximately 20 hours of preparation, study and writing to complete
| Week 11 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 70% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Raymond Volkas Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 15 February 2024
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:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics specialisation Major Mathematical Physics Major Physics Informal specialisation Chemical Physics specialisation - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
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: 15 February 2024