Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mathematics & Physics School
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; Schrdinger 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.
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)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- PHYS2941
- PHYS7141
PHYS2041, PHYS2941 (Advanced Science), and PHYS7141 (postgraduate level) courses share learning objectives, but will have assessment items which include questions that relate particularly to graduate attributes at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels, respectively. Students in the advanced version of the course, PHYS2941, will be encouraged to sign-up to the same tutorial group and will be assigned laboratory partners from the same advanced level. This will allow the cohort to explore a broader range of topics and in more depth. Some assessment items may be also different.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mr Jacob Westerhout
Mr Nic Christopher
Mr Rishi Goel
Mr Zachary Stevens-Hough
Mr Max Foreman
Ms Rhea Wolski
Mr Luke Kelly
Miss Eleanor Smith
Miss Radha Tidyman
Mr Luke Soll
Laboratory coordinator
Professor Karen Kheruntsyan
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).
The Wednesday 14 August lecture is going to be affected due to Ekka Public Holiday day. There will be a make-up lecture on Monday or Tuesday the same week. The date, time, and place for the make-up lecture will be advertised on Blackboard in due course.
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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the basic principles of quantum mechanics, its connection to other areas of physics, and to real-world problems.
LO2.
Apply the mathematical principles and methods of quantum theory to solve quantitative problems, and analyse the results.
LO3.
Demonstrate practical skills for experimental investigation in quantum physics, and interpret and communicate the results.
LO4.
Interpret and explain technical communications in relation to the basic principles of quantum mechanics.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Laboratory Report for Exp 1
|
10% |
The timetable and due dates for lab reports will be available on Blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Laboratory Report for Exp 2
|
10% |
The timetable and due dates for lab reports will be available on Blackboard. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Written assignments
|
20% |
Assignment 1: 7/08/2024 5:00 pm Assignment 2: 21/08/2024 5:00 pm Assignment 3: 4/09/2024 5:00 pm Assignment 4: 18/09/2024 5:00 pm Assignment 5: 9/10/2024 5:00 pm Assignment 6: 23/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Guidelines for the preparation of reports will be discussed in the introductory session and are provided in the introductory notes.
Refer to the Lab-Overview documents on Blackboard for due dates for each experiment.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.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
Guidelines for the preparation of reports will be discussed in the introductory session and are provided in the introductory notes. Refer to the Lab-Overview documents for due dates for each experiment.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.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.
Written assignments
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Assignment 1: 7/08/2024 5:00 pm
Assignment 2: 21/08/2024 5:00 pm
Assignment 3: 4/09/2024 5:00 pm
Assignment 4: 18/09/2024 5:00 pm
Assignment 5: 9/10/2024 5:00 pm
Assignment 6: 23/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
There will be 12 Tutorial Problem Sets during the semester, which will include the fortnightly assignment problems. Solutions to selected problems from each Tutorial Problem Set – indicated as “FOR ASSIGNMENT" – will need to be submitted by students as their fortnightly Assignments and will be marked for correctness and based on the student's ability to show their understanding of the material presented in the relevant section of the course.
The tutorial and assignment problems will be based on the material covered in lectures and in your textbook. Students will receive help on the tutorial/assignment problems during the tutorial sessions.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Solutions to the assignment problems must be submitted as a single PDF file online via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students are required to submit their assignments on time. Written solutions to tutorial and assignment problems will be released on Blackboard at 9am on Thursdays (next morning after the assignment submission due time) on a fortnightly basis - for the benefit of the entire class and to give students a mechanism for self-assessment and allow them to check their solutions more-or-less immediately after they have completed and submitted them. Because of this, and the policy of "5 best" assignment marks, no extensions on assignment submission will be permitted, except in special circumstance when a student was incapable to study for 4 or more weeks due to, e.g., illness. In the latter case, a medical certificate showing the reason for such extended incapacity will be required, and alternative options for make-up assignments can then be arranged with your course coordinator.
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Centrally timetabled final exam. A useful formula sheet will be provided at the end of the exam paper.
Hurdle requirements
See COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
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.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 20 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates very limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and of the basic concepts in the course material. This includes attempts at answering some questions but demonstrating very limited understanding of the key concepts. The student demonstrates very limited laboratory skills and shows a very limited ability for communicating his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report and presenting a poster. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 1 and 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 21 - 39 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates limited understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates limited knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. This includes attempts at expressing their deductions and explanations and attempts to answer a few questions accurately. The student demonstrates limited laboratory skills and shows a limited ability for communicating his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 21 and 39%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates some understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates some knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems, but fails to satisfy all of the basic requirements for a pass. The student demonstrates some laboratory skills and is somewhat proficient at communicating his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. Students achieving this grade score between 40-49% in their total weighted assessment for the semester. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and demonstrates a knowledge of the techniques used to solve problems. The student demonstrates some laboratory skills and is able to communicate his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 50 and 64%. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and can apply the techniques to solve problems. The student demonstrates good laboratory skills and can communicate his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 65 and 74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. The student demonstrates very good laboratory skills and is proficient at communicating his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 75 and 84%. In addition, a mark of greater than 40% on the final exam is required to achieve this grade |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of the theory of the topics listed in the course outline and is highly proficient in applying the techniques to solve both theoretical and practical problems. The student demonstrates excellent laboratory skills and is highly proficient at communicating his or her findings through the writing of a laboratory report. A student satisfying this criterion will normally achieve a final mark between 85 and 100%. |
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.
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.
Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed the lab-based section 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.
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
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute 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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Problem-based learning |
Solving weekly problems By working on weekly tutorial problems you will help each other understand the concepts and applications of Quantum Mechanics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Attending lectures Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Practical |
Experiment 1 Complete the first laboratory experiment followed by submitting a written Lab Report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Practical |
Experiment 2 Complete the second laboratory experiment, followed by submitting a written Lab Report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Practical |
Introductory Laboratory Introductory information session and select a laboratory partner. Perform introductory uncertainty analysis/Matlab exercises. Discuss report writing for Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Learning outcomes: L03 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.