Syllabus: PHYS 60303-016 - Quantum Mechanics I

Course & Instructor Information

Course

Course Title, Prefix, Number, Section: PHYS 60303-016 - Quantum Mechanics I

Number of Credits: 3

Course Component Type: LEC

This is the first part of a two-semester graduate-level physics course covering such aspects as postulates and mathematical tools of quantum mechanics, 1D quantum harmonic oscillator, quantum angular momentum, hydrogen atom, etc. We will cover most of the textbook chapters plus some extra material that will be distributed in class.

Class Location: SWR 364

Class Meeting Day(s) & Time(s): TR 9:30-10:50

Zoom Access Information: Only in-class meetings

Instructor

Instructor Name: Dr. Yuri M. Strzhemechny

Office Location: SWR 373

Office Hours: SWR 373/https://tcu.zoom.us/j/368852310; TR 1:00-2:00 PM and by appointment

Preferred Method of Contact: Email

Email: Y.Strzhemechny@tcu.edu

Final Evaluative Exercise & Important Dates

FINAL: TBA

Note for students: The syllabus is your first course reading. It provides an orientation to, overview of the flow, and expectations of the course. You should turn to the syllabus for details on course policies.

QR Code for link to page: TCU Syllabus Policies and ResourcesStudent Resources & Policy Information

Click or scan QR code for resources to support you as a TCU student. Please note section on Student Access and Accommodation and Academic Conduct & Course Materials Policies.

 


 

Table of Contents

Course & Instructor Information.. 1

Course. 1

Instructor 1

Final Evaluative Exercise & Important Dates. 1

Student Resources & Policy Information.. 1

Table of Contents. 2

Course Description.. 3

Catalog Description.. 3

Prerequisites & Concurrent Enrollment 3

Course Materials. 3

Required Materials. 3

Supplementary Resources. 3

Teaching Philosophy & Methodology. 3

Learning Outcomes. 4

Course Learning Outcomes. 4

Course Requirements. 5

Grading. 5

Grading Scale. 5

Course Schedule. 5

 

 

 

 


 

Course Description

Catalog Description

Prerequisite: PHYS 40113 or equivalent. Foundations of quantum mechanics, with applications to atomic, molecular, solid state, and nuclear physics.

Prerequisites & Concurrent Enrollment

Prerequisite: PHYS 40113 or equivalent.

Course Materials

Required Materials

Recommended textbook: Quantum Mechanics, 2 Volume Set , by Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Bernard Diu, and Frank Laloe (ISBN: 978-0-471-56952-7), Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992.

Lecture notes and assignments will be distributed via the Internet (including TCU Online).

Teaching Philosophy & Methodology

There are several key principles I find necessary to follow in teaching.

Practical learning. The most effective way to make a person learn is to provide a connection between the theoretical concepts and the hands-on experience. Learning by doing solving class problems, performing course laboratories, and carrying out extra-curriculum research by far outweighs learning by listening. Just attending the lectures is never enough. Ideally, all aspects of practical learning have to be integrated into each class.

Individual approach. It is necessary to have an honest interest in your students. I try to get to know the students on a first-name basis. I treat and respect every student as a unique individual. I remember that different students have different goals to pursue. I accept that different students learn differently. I care about developing a positive relationship with my students and about them developing a positive view of the subject.

Engaging the classroom. This is where teacher s enthusiasm is crucial. I feel like an emissary for the discipline I teach. I try to make the students discover what motivates the subject and why it is important. At the same time, their own interests have to be activated in the learning process. Furthermore, the students have to be not just taught the courses but be prepared for the future work place by learning the constructive way of thinking, the communication skills, and other information that will be necessary for them throughout their lives.

Effectiveness in delivering information. In the short run, my goal is to convey a clear message of the course to an ordinary student. To achieve this objective, I engage my teaching techniques to ensure intellectual and emotional interaction with the classroom.

Developing research skills. I think that all students, regardless of their level, should be exposed to research. This should include a range of endeavors outside a fixed curriculum.

 

Students will give oral presentations on selected topics which will be evaluated by the instructor. Final exam will be cumulative, but the emphasis will be given to the chapters not covered by the three tests. The tests and the final will contain conceptual questions and problems. Make-up tests will be provided to students having an Official University Absence. Students with valid reasons for missed tests (e.g. doctor's note) will have to contact the instructor regarding make-up tests as early as possible.

Homework: It is crucial for you to learn how to apply conceptual knowledge for problem solving. The textbook provides solid guidelines for you to acquire this skill. In addition, for each chapter, the instructor will supply a number of problems for your homework. It is in your best interest to solve those problems in a timely manner for several reasons. First, it will provide additional training in self-education. Second, homework problems will be related to those offered in the tests and in the final. If you are having difficulty solving the homework problems you may want to contact the instructor.

You will have an option of getting up to 10% of additional credit for an extracurricular research. Such assignments will be given on request from a pool of topics on a lottery basis.

 

Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Outcome(s)

Course Activities:
Assignments, Exams/Quizzes, Presentations, etc.

Number of Instances

1

Oral presentations

After each chapter

2

Tests (including final)

4 in total

 


 

Course Requirements

Grading

Assignments

Percentage or Points

Oral presentations

15%

Test 1

20%

Test 2

20%

Test 3

20%

Final Exam

25%

Total

100%

Grading Scale

Grade

Points

A

90 100

B

80 89.9

C

70 79.9

D

55 69.9

F

54.9 and below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Schedule

Lecture and test schedule will be TENTATIVE, it will depend on the class progress.