Physics 485: Quantum Mechanics I (Call #08303)
Fall Semester 2003
| Instructor: |
Dr. Charles Sawicki: 212B South Engineering, Phone 231-7049
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| Email: |
charles.sawicki@ndsu.nodak.edu |
| Office Hours: |
Wed 9:30-10:30 AM and TR 3:25-4:25PM.
Contact me to set up other meeting times. |
| Prerequisite: |
Math 266 and Physics 252 (Modern Physics 350 is useful but not required) |
| Texts: |
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths (Prentice Hall 1995)
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Course Objectives
The main objective of this course is to help you develop an appreciation of how
the world works. Details of coverage are in the table on the bottom of this
page. It is often implied that quantum mechanics deals only with the
microscopic world of atoms and other small particles. In fact, not even the
existence of matter or the electrical properties of bulk materials can be
explained without it. Quantum mechanics provides the most accurate and useful
theory ever developed, yet at its heart is the strange behavior of matter at
small scales which is not "understood". Many of the ideas we will
discuss violate intuitions developed in everyday life and in the study of
classical physics. In particular, determinism and locality are abandoned as
well as the distinctions between particle and wave. It requires lots of work
discussing ideas and solving problems to feel comfortable using these
principles. Class attendance, preparation for class, active participation
and homework are very important. As discussed in the next section, the class
is structured and graded to reward these activities.
System of Class Operation
Griffiths is a nice quantum text that gives good explanations with some humor.
We will not waste time having me reciting a large amount of the text into your
notes. I will discuss important points and go beyond what is covered in the
text. Much of the class will consist of discussion of issues raised in the text
or your questions. I will lead discussion but you will be expected to be
prepared and to participate. See the table down below for details of required
reading and problems. This means that you must do the assigned reading,
think about the material and work the assigned pre-class problems before
coming to class. Pre-class problems related to the reading are to be handed
in at the start of class. I will grade these but not in great detail. I
will check that you made an effort to solve them and assign 0 to 3 points per
problem. As noted below, they will count towards your grade. The purpose of
these problems is to help you prepare for class discussions. In this system
it is reasonable for you to consult with me about material not yet covered in
class during office hours or other times. Look over the discussion problems
before class since I may call on you to solve or help with their solution in
class.
I will also assign problem sets approximately every seven to ten days
which will be graded in detail. Show the steps and arguments clearly
in your solutions for full credit. If I can't read or understand what you
write down, I can't grade it. We should be able to cover between 4 and 5
chapters of Griffiths' book depending upon the preparation of class members.
All Assigned homework must be turned in at the start of class on the assigned
day (see table below). Late homework will not be accepted. This is for
practical rather than punitive reasons, since I will post solutions the day
homework is due.
This approach to class, which does not follow a tightly structured lecture
format involves some uncertainty in scheduling since timing depends upon how
much you know already and what happens in class. Except for the first two weeks
, the due date for the first two homework sets and test dates, the schedule is
tentative. Further assignments and due dates will be handed out as the semester
progresses.
You will also need to form teams of 2 or 3 to work on some in-class problems
(discussion problems in Table below and others) and for participation in
discussions.
Examinations, Homework, and Grading
Two tests, each worth 18% of the total course grade, will be given during
the Semester (see below for dates). Pre-class discussion problems will
count for 14%. Problem sets and the final exam will each count for 25% of
the total grade. Tests and the final exam will be made up of two types of
questions.
- Conceptual questions which can be either multiple choice or answered
with a few sentences and possibly an equation will make up 5 to 15% of
the points on each test and exam. These questions will relate to understanding
of class discussions or reading.
- Quantitative problems like the assigned homework problems will make up the
rest of each test.
A total average of 90% or more ensures an A, 80 to 89%
ensures a B, 70 to 79% ensures a C and so forth.
Depending on the class average, some curving may be applied to grades.
There will be no fixed number of As, Bs, Cs etc so helping each other with
homework and problems just improves everyone's grade. I will provide equation
sheets for the tests. You have to understand the material.
TESTS AND EXAMS WILL BE GIVE AT THE TIMES LISTED BELOW.
| Test 1 |
Thursday 9/25/03 |
| Test 2 |
Tuesday 10/30/03 |
Final Exam: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday, December 15, 2003
You are all encouraged to work with other students on homework and in studying
for tests. Do not turn in copies of another person's work. To test your
understanding and prepare for tests, put away your notes from cooperative
problem sessions and work the problems yourself, going over the reasoning behind
each step in the solution.
Posted Homework Solutions
Homework and test solutions as well as integral tables and possibly other texts
will be on reserve at the library main desk. A list of books and other
references will be provided separately.
Students with disabilities or special needs
Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special
accomodation in this course are invited to share these concerns or requests with
the instructor as soon as possible.
Academic Responsibility
All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU
University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and
Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm).
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