Paper Description
This paper presents the foundation 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.
The course consists of 36 lectures, and 12 two-hour workshops (one per week), which focus on problem solving. There is a weekly assignment, and a one hour tutorial each week to assist with the assignment.
Assessment:
Final exam 60%, Assignments 30%, Workshops 10%.
Important information about assessment for PHSI331
Course Coordinator:
Dr Ashton Bradley
- State and apply the postulates of quantum mechanics to predict the outcome of measurement on archetypal model systems
- Understand the techniques for finding solutions for the hydrogen atom and be able to apply perturbation theory to obtain fine-structure corrections
- State concisely the main complexities in finding states of multi-electron atoms and calculate approximate solutions for symmetrised helium states
- Describe how the standard model of particle physics explains the composition of all known particles in terms of quarks and leptons
- Analyse relativistic dynamics of particle collisions and apply conservation rules of the standard model to analyse particle reactions
- Understand how quantum mechanics provides a quantitative description of the phenomena of atomic and particle physics
Lecture Topics
| Quantum MechanicsLecturer: Dr Ashton Bradley |
|---|
| Wavefunction; State vector; Hilbert space |
| Observables, operators, eigenvalues & eigenvectors |
| Uncertainty principle; Dirac notation |
| Quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom |
| Angular momentum & angular momentum addition; spin |
| Textbook: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David Griffiths |
| Particle PhysicsLecturer: Dr Ashton Bradley |
|---|
| Survey of elementary particles: leptons and hadrons |
| Fundamental forces. Conservation laws |
| Ideas of quantum field theory. Antiparticles and virtual particles |
| Relativistic four vectors, energy-momentum, collisions |
| Quarks: composition of baryons and mesons; flavour and colour |
| Elementary particle dynamics; Feynman diagrams |
| Quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics, weak interactions |
| Textbooks: Introduction to Elementary Particles, (2nd Edition); David J. Griffiths; |
| Atomic PhysicsLecturer: Professor Blair Blakie |
|---|
| Identical particles; two particle systems |
| Time-independent perturbation theory; nondegenerate and degenerate; fine structure of Hydrogen; Zeeman effect; hyperfine splitting |
| Variational principle; ground state of helium |
| Textbook: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David Griffiths |
Formal University Information
The following information is from the University’s corporate web site.
Details
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.
| Paper title | Quantum, Atomic and Particle Physics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI331 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,059.15 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,627.65 |
- Prerequisite
- MATH 170 and PHSI 231
- Recommended Preparation
- MATH 202
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- ashton.bradley@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about PHSI 331
- Teaching staff
- Course Co-ordinator: Dr Ashton Bradley
Professor Blair Blakie - 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:
- State and apply the postulates of quantum mechanics to predict the outcome of measurement on archetypal model systems
- Understand the techniques for finding solutions for the hydrogen atom and be able to apply perturbation theory to obtain fine-structure corrections
- State concisely the main complexities in finding states of multi-electron atoms and calculate approximate solutions for symmetrised helium states
- Describe how the standard model of particle physics explains the composition of all known particles in terms of quarks and leptons
- Analyse relativistic dynamics of particle collisions and apply conservation rules of the standard model to analyse particle reactions
- Understand how quantum mechanics provides a quantitative description of the phenomena of atomic and particle physics
