Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS2041)

Course overview

Quantum mechanics is a cornerstone of modern physics, describing physical phenomena on microscopic scales. This course provides an introduction to the basic theoretical concepts and formalism of quantum physics and covers laboratory experiments crucial to its development. It is the foundation for further studies of advanced quantum physics and quantum field theory, quantum statistical mechanics and solid-state physics.

Quantum physics is a radical departure from the classical physics known up until the start of the 20th century.ﾠThe course starts with an overview of the historical evidence that led to the development of a quantum theory of matter and light.ﾠThis is followed by an introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantum physics and basic mathematical methods and techniques, such as the wave mechanics developed by Schroedinger and some aspects of the matrix formalism first developed by Heisenberg.ﾠ

Specific topics to be covered include: double-slit experiment and matter-wave interference; wave-particle duality; De Broglie relation; wave function and Schroedinger equation; statistical interpretation; principle of superposition; time-independent Schroedinger equation and stationary states; infinite square well in one dimension; harmonic oscillator; one dimensional scattering; Dirac delta-function; two-level atom, general mathematical structure of Quantum Mechanics and formalism; observables, operators, and commutation relations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; Dirac notation; Schr￶dinger equation in spherical coordinates; the hydrogen atom; angular momentum; spin and Pauli matrices; two-particle systems and principle of indistinguishability of identical particles; electron states in the atom. Some of the "spooky" aspects of quantum physics, which are still under investigation to this day, will also be introduced.

The subject provides part of a comprehensive, complete and coherent program of education in Physics intended for students aiming to complete a BSc degree or become professional physicists. It is a compulsory subject for entry into PhysicsﾠHonours.

The course would also be beneficial to students in biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, materials science, and mechanical and chemical engineering.

In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.

Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Assumed background andﾠexpected capabilities on entering the course

Intending students need to be competent in first year mainstream physics, in particular, PHYS1001 and the PHYS1002 course on electromagnetism, optics, special relativity and modern physics. Mathematics skills at the level ofﾠMATH1051 (or MATH1071) and MATH1052 (or MATH1072)ﾠareﾠalso assumed as pre-requisites; MATH2000/2001/2901 is a recommended pre-requisite.ﾠ

More specifically, theﾠexpected capabilities on entering the courseﾠare as follows:

Conceptual understanding

• Understanding of classical mechanics (Newtons laws, conservation of momentum, angular momentum, and energy)
• Understanding of the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy, and the dynamics of a classical particle in a spatially inhomogeneous potential
• Basic understanding of electrostatics and electrodynamics (Coulombs law, Electromagnetic waves as a solution to Maxwell’s equations)
• Familiarity with wave optics, interference phenomena, and phase
• Characteristics of light – wavelengths, frequency
• Conversion between commonly used units
• Keeping track of units in a calculation
• Using simple checks to assess whether an answer makes sense (e.g. dimensions, orders-of-magnitude, limiting behaviours, consistency with fundamental principles and axioms)

Mathematical skills

• Understand partial derivatives and full differentials
• Ability to integrate and differentiate common functions such as powers, log, exp, sin, etc.
• Finding extrema of simple functions; visualise and sketch simple functions (exponential, Gaussian, trigonometric, polynomials, sums and products of these)
• Visualise a function of 2 variables (e.g., a contour plot)
• Recognise the difference between, and understand the meaning of, definite and indefinite integrals
• Manipulation of complex numbers (absolute value, complex conjugates), complex functions (exp ix) and trigonometric functions
• Knowledge of Taylor expansion of elementary functions
• Understand what a differential equation is, and be able to solve, or at least recognise the solution to simple differential equations (e.g., exponential decay/growth, simple harmonic motion).
• Basic linear algebra: Matrix-vector manipulation, calculating eigenvectors and eigenvalues of a matrix.
• Understanding of convergent series, such as the geometric series

Problem solving and analysis

Be comfortable with deriving a differential equation describing the motion of a particle beginning with Newton’s laws; Conversion between commonly used units; Keeping track of units in a calculation; Using simple checks to assess whether an answer makes sense (e.g. dimensions, orders-of-magnitude, limiting behaviours, consistency with fundamental principles and axioms).

Experimental

Able to design and conduct simple experiments. Able to estimate uncertainties and propagate uncertainties through calculations. An understanding of how to write a laboratory report.

ﾠ

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

(MATH1051 or MATH1071), (MATH1052 or MATH1072) + PHYS1001 + PHYS1002

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

MATH2000 or MATH2001 or MATH2901

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

PHYS2040, PHYS2042, PHYS2941 (co-taught), PHYS7141 (co-taught)

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

All classes will be conducted on campus. Consult your personal timetable for times and locations. Students are expected to attend these sessions in person unless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness).

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the theory and concepts of quantum physics. Important experiments in the development of quantum physics will also be discussed. We will introduce students to the main ideas of quantum physics and teach the basic mathematical methods and techniques used in the fields of advanced quantum physics, atomic physics, laser physics, nanotechnology, and quantum chemistry. Some of the key problems of quantum physics are also described, concentrating on the background derivation, techniques, results and interpretations. We will not finish a complete exploration of all the predictions of quantum physics, but it is hoped that the predictions and problems explored here will provide a useful starting point for those interested in learning more. The intention is to explore problems which have been the most influential on the development of quantum physics and formulation of what we now call modern quantum physics.

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Laboratory Report for Exp 1

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

10%

Due date

The timetable and due dates for lab reports will be available on Blackboard.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Students are required to submit an electronic copy of their laboratory reports via the University Blackboard system. The electronic submissions must be in PDF format. Refer to the Lab-Overview document available on Blackboard for due dates for each experiment.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due..

Laboratory Report for Exp 2

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

10%

Due date

The timetable and due dates for lab reports will be available on Blackboard.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Students are required to submit an electronic copy of their laboratory reports via the University Blackboard system. The electronic submissions must be in PDF format. Refer to the Lab-Overview document available on Blackboard for due dates for each experiment.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for the extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Problem sets/Quizzes

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Tutorial/ Problem Set

Weight

20%

Due date

Students will be asked to hand in solutions to one problem/quiz in weeks 2-13. This problem/quiz will be solved under exam conditions in the applied class. Only the best six grades each student achieves will count towards the course mark.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Solutions must be handed in during the applied class.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Late submission is not allowed, but only the best six grades achieved by each student will count towards the final mark. No extensions or deferrals will be permitted.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Late submission is not allowed, but only the best six grades achieved by each student will count towards the final mark. No extensions or deferrals will be permitted. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing you from completing at least 6 problem sets/quizzes then please email smp.student@uq.edu.au. You will need to do this within 5 calendar days of your due submisson and include evidence (e.g., medical certificate).

End of Semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

60%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

As well as the criteria above, the following hurdles also apply:

(a) In order to receive a passing grade of 4 or higher, students must score at least 50% overall, and at least 40% of the marks for the final exam.

(b) ﾠIn order to receive grade 3 or higher, students must submit at least two Assignments.

(c) In order to receive grade 3 or higher, students must perform and submit at least one Laboratory Report (for either Experiment 1 or Experiment 2).

(d) In order to receive grade 3 or higher, students must receive at least 30% of the marks for their final exam.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.

Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed the practical component of this course. The learning objects of the laboratory components are demonstrated throughout the semester and it is not possible to validly reassess these learning objectives in the supplementary assessment period.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

Students are reminded that reports must be original work. Students found to have copied material from other students (past or present), from web-sites or from other sources will receive a downgraded mark (possibly zero) and will be referred to the School Office for consideration of further disciplinary action. Staff reserve the right to use Turnitin software to check the originality of all submitted material. Please read the section on plagiarism for further information on the universities approach to copying.

Artificial Intelligence

To pass this course, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed understanding of course material together with a range of associated skills independent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools.

For assessment tasks that are completed in-person (including examinations) termed “secure assessment”, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted unless otherwise advised. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Other non-secure assessment tasks (such as assignments) are designed to help you develop your understanding and skills, and to prepare you for secure assessment. You are thus generally encouraged to complete such assessment without the use of AI/MT, unless explicitly advised to the contrary in the assessment item. In any event, if you choose to use such tools, then you must clearly reference any such use within your submitted work. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
• Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
• If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
• If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
• If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
• For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
• An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
• If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
• Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
• There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
• There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
• Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
• All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
• You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
• If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

The University's Blackboard system will be used for communication and submission of assignments andﾠlaboratory reports.

Short videos of lectures from past years will be made available on UQ Extend platform from the course Blackboard site for viewing prior to each lecture.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.