FYS2140 – Quantum Physics
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course gives an introduction to quantum mechanics, which describes?the physics of systems at small scales where experimental behavior cannot be explained by classical mechanics. You will learn how to use the?Schr?dinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty relation, and the Pauli principle to calculate and analyze systems that illustrate quantum mechanical phenomena. The course includes examples to explain the quantization of energy, superposition, wave-particle duality, and tunneling. This?knowledge contributes to a better understanding of elementary nuclear and particle physics, as well as the composition of atoms, molecules and materials. In seminars, you will reflect and discuss?scientific questions in groups, and you will also get the opportunity to?think broadly about what a particle, energy and time is.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, you are able to:
- describe the main features of the historical development of quantum physics.
- discuss and explain the key concepts and principles of quantum physics.
- solve the Schr?dinger equation for standard systems with both analytical and numerical methods, and then interpret the results.
- explain the physical states of elementary particles and atoms in different systems based on quantum mechanics.
- use commutation relations to explain the outcome of measurements.
- work independently with key questions and problems in quantum physics.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Special admission requirements
In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2
And in addition one of these:
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).
Recommended previous knowledge
- MAT1100 – Calculus
- MAT1110 – Calculus and Linear Algebra
- MAT1120 – Linear Algebra
- MAT-INF1100 – Modelling and Computations (discontinued)
- IN1900 – Introduction to Programming with Scientific Applications
- FYS-MEK1110 – Mechanics (discontinued) or FYS1100 – Mechanics and Modelling
- FYS1120 – Electromagnetism
Teaching
The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department has to be informed in advance (e-mail studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course.
The course extends over a full semester with 8 hours of teaching per week:
4 hours of lectures
2 hours of group sessions
2 hours of problem-solving
The course includes 11?weekly assignments, of which at least 6 must be submitted and approved before you can take the final exam.
Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found here.
Examination
- Final written exam?which counts 100 % towards the final grade.?
This course has mandatory exercises?that must be approved before you can sit the final?exam.
When writing your exercises make sure to familiarize yourself with the?rules for use of sources and citations.?Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of?attempted cheating.
Examination support material
- Approved calculator
- Rottmann: "Matematisk formelsamling"
- ?grim and Lian or Angell and Lian: "Fysiske st?rrelser og enheter"
- One A4 sheet?of paper with your own notes (written by hand or digitally, both sides of the sheet)
Language of examination
The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.
New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.
We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.