Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS7042)

Course overview

Theoretical basic for the understanding of physical properties of systems, generally of macroscopic size, such as atoms, molecules or nuclei but also certain macroscopic systems, such as superfluids or superconductors.

The course builds on Quantum Mechanics I - PHYS2041 and aims at a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of quantum mechanics governing the physical properties of systems, generally of microscopic size, such as atoms, molecules or nuclei, but also of certain macroscopic systems such as superfluids and superconductors. The course starts from the mathematical formalism and postulates of quantum mechanics. This will be followed by the introduction and application of this formalism to key examples involving atoms, molecules, solids, light fields and other physical systems. Both matrix and wave mechanics will be used in a consistent way throughout the course, with an emphasis on Dirac notation. ﾠ

Specific topics include the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and the dynamics of driven two-level systems, eigenstates of interacting two-particle systems, entangled states and Bell inequality, symmetries and conservation laws, an introduction to scattering, and the main classes of perturbation theory.

Modules:

1. Mathematical Foundations and Postulates
2. Quantum Dynamics
3. Multiparticle Systems ﾠand ﾠEntanglement
4. Perturbation Theory
5. Quantum Scattering
6. Symmetries and Conservation Lawsﾠ

Detailed workshop and reading schedules will be available on the Blackboard site.

The laboratory component develops important experimental techniques and a 'hands-on' understanding of quantum phenomena through ﾠa choice of experiments that complement the theoretical part of the course. ﾠ

The course provides part of a comprehensive, complete and coherent program of education in Physics intended for students aiming to become professional physicists.ﾠ

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 ﾠUQ Policy,ﾠ and will not be tolerated. We have developed a ﾠsuite of resourcesﾠ 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

This course is a natural extension of the second year Quantum Physics course PHYS2041 and students shouldﾠhave a sound understanding of quantum physics at least at the level of that course (e.g., first four chapters of Griffith's Introduction to Quantum Mechanics). Background in differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, second order differential equation, separation of variables in rectangular & polar coordinates (MATH2001) and some knowledge of ordinary and partial differential equation and Fourier series (MATH2100) are strongly recommended.

Prerequisites

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

PHYS2041 + MATH2000 + MATH2100 (or PG equivalent)

Incompatible

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

PHYS3040 (co-taught)

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Additional timetable information

Applied classes and Laboratories will begin in Week 2 for all students.ﾠ

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).

There will be no learning activities on public holidays. If your applied class is scheduled on a public holiday, then please attend an applied class on another day for that week.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to deepen and extend students conceptual understanding and problem solving ability in quantum physics. The postulates and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics will be introduced in a more formal way and then applied to the key problems of quantum physics. The course will be supplemented with real-life examples from modern research when appropriate.

Through completing this course, students will be able to:

• Formulate the key concepts in quantum physics such as a quantum state, observables and measurement, superposition and entanglement, and the role of symmetry.
• Apply mathematical techniques such as Dirac formalism, matrix mechanics, wave mechanics, perturbation theory to calculate experimentally relevant physical quantities for representative physical systems in atomic physics, molecular physics, solid state physics, quantum optics.
• Argue why quantum mechanics is important for modern research and technology.
• Develop skill in independent experimental work, report writing and using uncertainty analysis in processing experimental data.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

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

In-class tests

• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Tutorial/ Problem Set

Weight

20%

Due date

Weeks 3-13 during your allocated Applied Class contact hour.

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02

Task description

Submission guidelines

The answers to the test questions must be handed in to the casual academic in hard copy, on supplied A4 papers, during the Applied Class.

Deferral or extension

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

Late submission

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

No late submissions or extensions are allowed for this assessment. If you are unable to attend your regular Applied Class in a week then you should attend a different session, where possible. Your overall mark for this assessment will come from an equal weighting of your best 6 grades out of the 11 tests.

Experiment 1: Logbook and summary of analysis

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook

Weight

15% - weight is 10% or 15%: experiment with the higher grade receives the higher weight

Due date

Logbook snapshots at the end of each session, with final summary due 5pm two weeks after the second session.

Learning outcomes

L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submit as PDF via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral 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, a penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item (or equivalent penalty for other grading schemes) 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.

Experiment 2: Logbook and summary of analysis

• Hurdle

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook

Weight

10% - weight is 10% or 15%: experiment with the higher grade receives the higher weight

Due date

Logbook snapshots at the end of each session, with final summary due 5pm two weeks after the second session.

Learning outcomes

L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submit as PDF via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral 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, a penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item (or equivalent penalty for other grading schemes) 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.

End of Semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

55%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02

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/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Course grading

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

Additional course grading information

For each assessment item, a fractional grade on the 1 to 7 scale will be calculated using grades from each assigned task. ﾠThese fractional grades will be combined in aﾠ weighted average to determine your overall grade for the course, in accordance with the grade cut-offs specified in the criteria and subject to the hurdle requirements below.ﾠ

To obtain a grade of 4 or higher, students must meet the following requirements:

• An average grade of 3.0 or higher ﾠin the final exam;

• An average grade of 3.0 or higher in the laboratory component of the course (Experiment 1 and 2).

Supplementary assessment

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

Supplementary assessment is not available if you did not pass the laboratory-based hurdle for this course (please see the Additional course grading information section). The learning objectives 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

You may be required to submit your laboratory reports or summaries via TurnItIn, in which case you will be permitted to submit a draft for checking prior to the due date.

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 date 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Workshop notes and solutions, as well as videos prepared by teaching staff on selected topics will be made available on Blackboard.

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
• AI for Assessment Guide

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