Course Details

Quantum mechanics

MF0721

Course
Quantum mechanics
Code
MF0721
Academic Year
2025/2026
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
APPLIED PHYSICS
Curriculum
000 - 000-GENERICO
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Credits
9
Lecture Hours
72
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
FIS/02 - Theoretical Physics, Mathematical Models and Methods
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
2
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
VERCELLI
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Critical Basis of quantum mechanics. Definition of a quantum state, the definition of operators and observables. Formulation of elementary quantum systems. Evolution of quantum systems, perturbative methods. Application to atomic and nuclear systems.
Reference Texts
D. Griffiths - D.F. Schroeter: Introduzione alla meccanica quantistica
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana- Zanichelli (2023)
Learning Outcomes
Provide the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, the most relevant results for atomic physics, nuclear and subnuclear physics, from historical, mathematical and physical point of view.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Classical Mechanics, of basic Maths and of Mathematical methods for Physics.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons using the blackboard with the integration of exercises and numerical simulations that require the active participation of the students.
Additional Information
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents- physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of an oral test during which the student will be asked to illustrate two or three themes chosen from the topics covered in class, posing the question from both a physical and mathematical point of view. To pass the test the student must demonstrate that they know and understand the basic concepts and their application to problem solving. A passing grade is achieved if at least two questions are answered satisfactorily. Honors are awarded if the answers to all questions are complete and exhaustive.
Detailed Syllabus
- The crisis of Classical Physics and the dual wave-particle nature of matter and radiation. - The wave function and the Schrödinger equation. - Plane waves and wave packets. - Coordinate space and momentum space. - Physical quantities and quantum operators: commutation rules, eigenvalue equations. - Measurements in QM, simultaneous measurement of several quantities, uncertainty principle. - Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of momentum and orbital angular momentum operators. - States of a quantum system, stationary states and time evolution. - One-dimensional problems: step potential, potential barrier, potential well, bound states. - Linear harmonic oscillator. - Central problems. - The two-body problem. - Hydrogenoid atoms: eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian. - Dirac formalism. Heisenberg states and operators, Heisenberg's equation of motion. - Symmetries and conservation laws in Quantum Mechanics. - Spin. - Composition rules of angular momenta. Case of two spin 1/2. - Time independent perturbation theory: stationary states with non degenerate and degenerate discrete energy spectra.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding: Study of the theoretical and mathematical bases of quantum mechanics, its applications and results. - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Full ability to use the calculation techniques of quantum mechanics to formulate physical problems where the quantum regime is essential (e.g. particle physics, quantum computation). - Communication skills - Being able to provide both orally and in writing the details of the calculation and the results of the application of quantum methods. - Learning skills - Acquisition of a good mastery of the conceptual and formal bases of quantum mechanics, in order to be able to expand one's knowledge in the continuation of studies.
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31