PHY6645: Quantum Mechanics I
This course is the first semester of a two semester graduate course on Quantum Mechanics.
I will be assuming that students have mastered this subject as taught at the advanced undergraduate level,
such as Griffith's excellent textbook. The goal of the first semester is to develop the subject systematically,
beginning with a review of the mathematics of linear operators and vector spaces, in the context of setting out
the principles of quantum mechanics as codified in Dirac's book. We shall also review Hamilton's formulation of
classical mechanics, the structure of which reveals close parallels with quantum mechanics. In particular,
the concept of canonical transformations in classical and quantum mechanics will be employed to gain insight
into symmetries and their relation to conservation laws. We then go on to develop a systematic understanding
of the quantum dynamics of nature. Applications in the first semester will mostly be limited to the simple
systems encountered in undergraduate quantum mechanics including simple one dimensional problems, the free
particle in three dimensions, the harmonic oscillator, the double well potential (WKB method), and the hydrogen atom.
Finally, first order perturbation theory will be discussed.
Required text:
-
Shankar Ramamurti, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition (Springer Science, New York, corrected printing 2008)
,
Ramamurti Shankar.
[errata]
Course Information:
Class and contact Information
Lectures: MWF period 4 (10:40-11:30 am), NPB 1101
email: ramond@phys.ufl.edu
Office hours: MW period 7 (1:55p-2:45p), NPB 2061 and by appointment
Grader: TBA
Grader's email: gchen@ufl.edu
Grader's Office hours: Thursday P4 and P5
Announcements, Fall 2017
- I will not be here the first day of classes. Use the free time to enjoy:
Feynman's Messenger Lecture on Quantum Mechanics, Cornell, 1964.
- Over your Thanksgiving break, enjoy:
Sydney Coleman's Quantum Mechanics In Your Face!
- NOTES: LRL SYMMETRY
The first class will be on Wednesday August 23, 2017.
Do not forget the make-up class on Wednesday October 11 at 6 p.m. NPB 1101
There is no class on Wednesday October 18.
Remember: closed book midterm in class on Friday October 20, 2017
Do not forget the make-up class on Wednesday November 15 at 6 p.m. NPB 1101
- UF Online Faculty Evaluations will open from Tuesday November 21 to Friday December 8 and be available at https://evaluations.ufl.edu
These evaluations provide very important feedback to better our teaching, and we ask for your participation with
for a large number of respondants.
Homework Assignments
Homework is due in class each Wednesday.
Homework problems are from Shankar's's book unless otherwise noted.
- Problem Set   1, due 30 August 2017
- Problem Set   2, due 6 September 2017
- Problem Set   3, due 13 September 2017
- Problem Set   4, due 27 September 2017
- Problem Set   5, due 4 October 2017
- Problem Set   6, due 11 October 2017
- Short Problem Set   7, due 16 October 2017
- Problem Set   8, due 1 November 2017
- Problem Set   9, due 8 November 2017
- Problem Set   10, due 15 November 2017
- Problem Set   11, due 29 November 2017
- Problem Set   12, due 4 December 2017
Examinations
The final will be in the IFT Conference Room NPB 2165, Saturday December 9, 2017, from 1-3 p.m.
Both midterm and final exams will be closed book.