Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2006 - 2007

Module Title	Quantum Physics I
Module Code	PS201
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof. Greg Hughes	Office Number	N138
Level	2	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

This module takes as its starting point a discussion of the experiments that led to the birth of Modern Physics and the introduction of Quantum Mechanics. The introduction to quantum mechanics takes as its starting point ideas about wave-particle duality, the Uncertainty Principle and early models of the atom leading to the Bohr Theory. The time independent and time dependent Schrodinger equations are introduced and applied to the solution of several one-dimensional problems, beginning with the simple particle in an infinite well and increasing in difficulty to cover the finite well, reflection and transmission at a potential step quantum tunnelling and the one dimensional harmonic oscillator.

Learning Outcomes

After studying the material presented in this course the student should be able to: 7 Give a brief account of the experiments that led to the introduction of quantum mechanics. 7 Apply the Bohr theory of the atom to hydrogen and hydrogen like atoms and use this theory to explain and interpret their spectra. 7 Quote and interpret the time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations. 7 Understand the concept of an operator, an eigenfunction and an eigenvalue. 7 Solve the time independent Schrodinger equation for 1-dimensional problems, applying appropriate boundary conditions. 7 Normalise 1-dimensional wavefunctions 7 Solve numerical problems based on all aspects of this course.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	6
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	45

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

THE PHOTON Blackbody Radiation, Maxwell Boltzmann Distribution, Planck Hypothesis, The photoelectric effect, X-Rays, The Compton effect, Pair Production. OLD QUANTUM THEORY The electron, Nuclear model of the atom, Rutherford Scattering, The Quantum picture of the atom. The Bohr atom, Atomic Spectra, Characteristic X-Rays and X-ray spectra. MATTER WAVES DeBroglie Hypothesis, Electron Diffraction, Wave-Particle duality, determinism and Randomness, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Waves and Wave Packets. INTRODUCTORY QUANTUM MECHANICS Intuitive derivation of the Schrodinger wave equation. Eigenvalue equations. The free particle. Stationary states and expectation values. Operators, physical quantities and expectation values. One Interpretation of the wave-function. Normalisation of the wave function and boundary conditions. dimensional applications including; particle in a box, the finite potential well, reflection and transmission at a potential step, tunnelling, the harmonic oscillator.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Indicative Reading List

1) Introduction to the Structure of Matter by J.J.Brehm and W.J.Mullen. 2) An Introduction to Quantum Physics by A.P.French and E.F.Taylor. 3) Quantum Mechanics by P.C.W.Davies and D.S.Betts 4) Basic Quantum Mechanics by J.L.Martin.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Applied Physics

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)