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    Overview

    Introduction to formal quantum theory: state preparation, measurement, two-state systems, angular momentum, perturbation theory. Atomic physics: multi-electron atoms, Zeeman effect, atom-radiation interaction, molecules. Particle and nuclear physics.

    This paper presents the foundational theory for three major topics in physics. The quantum mechanics section introduces the formal framework of quantum mechanics and illustrates its application to the quantitative description of real physical systems. The particle physics section introduces the 'standard model' of particle physics, with a primarily qualitative approach. The atomic physics section covers quantitative models of multi-electron atoms and interactions of atoms with electromagnetic fields.

    About this paper

    Paper title Quantum, Atomic and Particle Physics
    Subject Physics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    MATH 140 and PHSI 221
    Recommended Preparation
    MATH 202
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact

    jonathan.squire@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr Jonathan Squire
    Dr Amita Deb
    Dr Danny Baillie

    Textbooks

    Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David Griffiths.

    Introduction to Elementary Particles (2nd Edition), David Griffiths.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    After completing this paper students will be able to:
    1. State and apply the postulates of quantum mechanics to predict the outcome of measurement on archetypal model systems
    2. Understand the techniques for finding solutions for the hydrogen atom and be able to apply perturbation theory to obtain fine-structure corrections
    3. State concisely the main complexities in finding states of multi-electron atoms and calculate approximate solutions for symmetrised helium states
    4. Describe how the standard model of particle physics explains the composition of all known particles in terms of quarks and leptons
    5. Analyse relativistic dynamics of particle collisions and apply conservation rules of the standard model to analyse particle reactions
    6. Understand how quantum mechanics provides a quantitative description of the phenomena of atomic and particle physics

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
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