2023-2024 / PHYS0211-3

Quantum mechanics

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering5 crédits 
 Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Physics5 crédits 

Lecturer

John Martin

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is an introduction to quantum mechanics, a central theory for the understanding of physical processes on the microscopic scale.

Covered topics :

  • fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics
  • mathematical basis
  • postulates, Schrödinger equation
  • Heisenberg inequalities, Ehrenfest theorem
  • harmonic oscillator
  • angular momentum
  • hydrogen atom
  • spin
  • quantum many-body systems and entanglement
These topics will be illustrated by examples relevant to the engineer, in particular related to the emergent quantum technologies.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

After the completion of this course, the student will be able to :

  • apprehend the internal machinery of quantum theory
  • carry out predictive calculations on simple quantum systems
  • illustrate fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics on actual examples
  • identify situations for which the use of quantum mechanics is essential
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, II.1, III.1, III.2 of the BSc in engineering.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Notions of linear algebra and mathematical analysis (Fourier transform, function spaces, ...).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course consists of ex cathedra lectures supported by derivations on the blackboard. The teacher encourages interaction with students.

Podcasts of the lessons are provided to facilitate learning the material.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

See "Planned learning activities and teaching methods".

Recommended or required readings

Suggested book:
Mécanique quantique, J.-L. Basdevant and J. Dalibard, Eds de l'Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau (France), 2002, ISBN 2-7302-0914-X

A pdf version of the slides and an exercise booklet will be available on myULiège (eCampus).

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- Remote

written exam ( open-ended questions )

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

A written test covering theory (50%) and exercices (50%) will be organized in January and August. Classroom examination will be organized if conditions permit. Otherwise, remote examination will be organised with open-ended questions according to modalities to be specified and which will be communicated to the students in due course.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

   

Contacts

John Martin
Physics Department,
I.P.N.A.S., B15, Sart Tilman,
4000 Liège (BELGIUM)
Tel. : +32 4 366 28 64 - Fax : +32 4 366 28 84
email : jmartin@uliege.be

Baptiste Debecker
Physics Department,
I.P.N.A.S., B15, Sart Tilman,
email : baptiste.debecker@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

There is no MOOC associated with this course.