Quantum Mechanics (FYS320)
The course gives an introduction to quantum mechanics.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Facts
Course code
FYS320
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Time table
Admission requirements
Science and mathematics qualification (REALFA) / Higher engineering education (HING)
Content
Wave function and Schrödinger equation. One-dimensional problems (harmonic oscillator, tunnelling, scattering states). Basic postulates of quantum mechanics, (non)commuting observables, uncertainty principle. Angular momentum and three-dimensional problems. Raising and lowering operators. Atomic and molecular spectra. Mathematical intermezzo (Fourier transform, eigenvalue problems, linear algebra in the Dirac notation). Spin. Time evolution.
Learning outcome
After taking this course, the student shall be able to:
- Formulate the basic concepts of quantum mechanics.
- Apply the laws of quantum mechanics to simple problems.
Required prerequisite knowledge
FYS100 Mechanics
Recommended prerequisites
FYS100 Mechanics, FYS200 Thermo- and Fluid Dynamics, FYS300 Electromagnetism and Special Relativity, FYS330 Micro Physics, MAT100 Mathematical Methods 1, MAT200 Mathematical Methods 2, MAT210 Real Analysis, MAT300 Vector Analysis
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | Specified printed and hand-written means are allowed. Definite, basic calculator allowed |
Exam is with pen and paper
Coursework requirements
Compulsory assignment 1, Compulsory assignment 2
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Eero Aleksi KurkelaHead of Department:
Bjørn Henrik AuestadMethod of work
6 hrs lectures and 2 hrs exercises.
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (BIT370_1) | 5 |
Open for
Course assessment
The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.