Module: Quantum Physics I

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Quantum Physics I
Module Code	PHY1033 (ITS: PS201)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module begins with a discussion of the experiments on blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, the Compton Effect, line spectra and electron diffraction that led to the birth of Modern Physics and the introduction of Quantum Mechanics. The introduction to quantum mechanics takes as its starting point the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and introduces superposition of states, measurements in quantum mechanics, eigenstates, and entanglement. The time independent Schrödinger equation is introduced.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline the experimental work and interpretation leading to quantum physics
2. Distinguish between classical and quantum mechanical description of physical phenomena
3. Discuss characteristic phenomena of quantum mechanics such as wave-particle duality, quantization of energy, Heisenberg's uncertainty relation, concept of probability, eigenstates, superposition, and entanglement
4. Explain the role of the ket (Dirac notation)
5. Sketch atomic models and explain the origin of spectral lines
6. Discuss the historical context of modern physics and quantum physics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	classroom attendance
Assignment Completion	36	Working on problem lists
Independent Study	53	Working through lecture notes
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11362	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Van Kampen	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Weekly Assignments	10%	n/a
Group assignment	Interactive oral	10%	Once per semester
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lecture Series: Review & introduction to the mathematics
Complex numbers; probability; light as a wave

Lecture Series: Problems with classical mechanics
Emission spectra - blackbody, line; the photoelectric effect; the Compton effect

Lecture series: Wave-particle duality and the Bohr model
Matter waves; the uncertainty principle according to Heisenberg; the Bohr model of single-electron atoms

The Stern-Gerlach experiment
Probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics; eigenstates; probabilities; superposition of states; the uncertainty principle

Entanglement
The EPR paradox, Bell inequalities

The Schrödinger equation
Justification, Born interpretation of the wave function, the time independent Schrödinger equation; infinite well

Tutorial Problems
Weekly worked-problem worksheets covering lecturer material.

Assignments
Weekly assignments covering lecture material.

Interactive oral
Research and talk about a topic in modern physics or quantum mechanics and put it in its historical context

Indicative Reading List

Books:

H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics, 15, 38-41, Pearson, UK,
D.H. McIntyre: 2012, Quantum mechanics: a paradigms approach, 1, 1, 2, 4, Pearson,
R. Eisberg and R. Resnick: 1985, QUANTUM PHYSICS of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles, 2nd Ed., Wiley,
D. J. Griffiths: 2017, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Ed,, Cambridge,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None