Natural Science 0183 - Basic Physics: Quantum Mech

This course investigates the structure of modern theoretical physics, one of the most powerful intellectual influences of the 20th century, with a focus on quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics underlies our current understanding of atoms, particles, and virtually all physical processes, including those governing chemistry and biology. In addition to having exciting modern applications, such as quantum computation and quantum teleportation, quantum mechanics has profound philosophical consequences for our understanding of the nature of reality at the fundamental level. We develop the actual quantum theory in its matrix mechanics form through the examples of two-state systems, including electron spin and photon polarization. The course has three themes: quantitative approximations to interesting phenomena; formal use of mathematics to describe observations; and the philosophical and cultural significance of interpretations of physical theory. It is designed so that students engage with the material through experiences which parallel those in which physicists approach nature: formulating questions and turning them into solvable puzzles; working cooperatively; utilizing both learned and created concepts; and mastering formal reasoning. Students are expected to attend the additional 1.5 hours on Thursdays for problem-solving and lab experiments.

Physical and Biological Sciences Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.