PHYS 4400 Quantum Physics I
First of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive treatment of the principles and applications of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. This semester focuses on basic principles. Topics covered include: historical development of quantum mechanics; the uncertainty principle; the Schrodinger equation and its solution for simple one-dimensional potentials, including constant potentials and the harmonic oscillator; formal presentation of the postulates of quantum mechanics using Dirac notation; commutation relations; basic scattering theory; formulation of Schrodinger equation in three-dimensions, central potentials, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom; spin angular momentum and the addition of angular momenta.
Course overview
- Department
- Physics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Requirements fulfilled
- Applied Physics B.S.: At least two of the following Advanced Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: Natural science, computer science, or economics corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Physics B.S.: Required Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.13 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.28 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Krzysztof Kempa | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | — | 10 of 13 |
| Fall 2024 | Xiao Chen | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | — | 10 of 13 |
| Fall 2023 | Xiao Chen | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13 of 15 |
| Fall 2022 | Jan Engelbrecht | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 8 of 8 |
| Fall 2021 | Jan Engelbrecht | 3.8 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | — | 6 of 11 |