To introduce the concepts and the experimental foundations of quantum theory. To carry out simple calculations related to quantum mechanical problem tasks. To show the impact of quantum theory on contemporary science.

(LO1) An understanding why classical mechanics must have failed to describe the properties of light, and the properties of microspopic systems.

(LO2) An understanding of why quantum theory is the conceptual framework required to explain the behaviour of the universe.

(LO3) A basic knowledge on the experimental and theoretical concepts which founded modern physics, i.e. quantum theory needed to explain certain phenomena.

(LO4) An understanding of the quantum theory of light and the ability to apply energy-momentum conservation in the explanation of phenomena such as the. photo-electric effect and the Compton effect.

(LO5) An understanding of de Broglie waves and their interpretation.

(LO6) An ability to explain the experimental evidence for de Broglie waves, for example through the scattering of electrons, X-rays and neutrons.

(LO7) An understanding of the principles of quantum mechanical measurements and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

(LO8) An understanding of the identity principle of microscopic particles and the basic idea of quantum (Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein) statistics.

(LO9) An understanding why quantum theory is the conceptual framework to understand the microscopic properties of the universe.

(LO10) A basic knowledge of contemporary applications of quantum theory and their impact on our society.

(LO11) A basic understanding of the Schrodinger equation.

(LO12) An understanding of de Broglie waves and their statistical interpretation.

(LO13) An understanding of Bohr's theory of the atom and its application to the H-atom including the concept of principal quantum numbers.

(S1) Problem solving skills relating to quantum phenomena.

• Photons and the need of a quantum theory of light.
• Black body radiation.
• Planck's quantum.
• Einstein's completion of Planck's quantum.
• Experimental evidence for energy-momentum conservation for light : Photo-electric effect, Compton effect.
• Davisson-Germer experiment

• Atoms : brief history.
• Atomic spectra.
• Thompson's pudding.
• Rutherford and the nucleus.
• Franck-Hertz experiment.

• Bohr's theory of the atom : successes and short comings.
• Hydrogen spectrum, Rydberg constant and principal quantum numbers.

• De Broglie waves and group velocity.
• Experimental evidence of de Broglie waves : scattering experiements of electrons, of X-rays, and of neutrons.
• Bohr's principle of complementarity.
• Statistical interpretation of de Broglie wav es

• Quantum mechanical measurements.
• Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
• Basic concepts of quantum statistics: Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.

• Simple atoms and nuclei.
• Periodic system of elements.

• Basic introduction to the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation.
• Trial solutions and separation of variables.
• Reduction to the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation.

Teaching Method 1 - pre-recorded online Lectures

Teaching Method 2 - live online tutorials
Description: Weekly workshops allowing peer interactions while working on problem sheets.

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.