The first part of this year's module (term 1) explores the formal structure of quantum mechanics and its application to two important model systems: hydrogen-like atoms and the harmonic oscillator. It will develop deeper understanding of the foundations of the Quantum mechanics with corresponding tools and language. The two systems we will investigate are useful to understand wide range of phenomena.
The second half of the module (term 2) studies models of condensed matter and aspects of the Standard Model of particle physics. The module will introduce the quantum mechanics of free fermions and discuss how it accounts for the conductivity, heat capacity and magnetic susceptibility of metals, the state of electrons in white dwarf stars and a model of the nucleus. Introducing the lattice and the scattering of electrons off ions will allow us to describe the properties of semiconductors and insulators. The Standard Model of particle physics is a quantum field theory and beyond simple quantum mechanics. However, using ideas you have already met, we will be able to discuss aspects of the standard model such as antiparticles and particle oscillations.
The module builds on first year module PX156 Quantum Phenomena and leads directly to third year PX3A2 Quantum Physics of Atoms.
This academic year we are updating module and material will be added as we progress through lectures. The overall plan is that the material covered by the module will be largely same as in the previous years, some reordering has been done.
- FORUM