Learning objectives
This course is meant to provide the basic instruments of Quantum Mechanics, used to understand the most important concepts of Condensed Matter Physics, from particles to nucleus, till atoms.
Beyond the methodologic tools, the course provides the students with a basic language for Condensed Matter Physics, allowing them to read and understand advanced texts.
The technical specific language obtained, will allow the student to dialogue with specialists and to translate complex concepts in a language understandable to non-specialists.
The students will be able to work in group and produce short elaborates (Powerpoint slides or short essay) focused on specific topics of Material Science; they will be able to illustrate these to their peers.
Prerequisites
The course assumes that the student has followed a course of classical mechanics and calculus.
Course unit content
Crisis of Classical Physics and introduction to Quantum Physics
Review on waves
The duality of matter
Fundamentals of linear algebra for Quantum Physics
Vectors, vectorial spaces and states
Matrix and operators
Uncertainty principle
Schrödinger and Dirac representations
Free particle in 1D and 3D
Wave packet
Particle in a box
Harmonic oscillator
Polar coordinates
Hydrogen atom
Angular momenta
Full programme
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Bibliography
For each lesson, slides and powerpoint material will be made available on the Elly Platform. In each of these, a slide will indicate the relevant chapters / paragraph in textbooks, e.g. from:
Atkins, Friedman – Molecular Quantum Mechanics
The Principles of Quantum Mechanics, P. A. M. Dirac 1958, Oxford University Press
Six Easy Pieces, R. P. Feynman 1963, Caltech
Cohen-Tannoudji, Diu, Laloë – Quantum Mechanics
Eisberg, Resnick - Quantum Physics: Of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles
Other suggested books:
Franchetti, Rangagni, Mugnai – Elementi di Struttura della Materia
Fieschi, De Renzi – Struttura della Materia
Bassani, Grassano – Fisica dello Stato Solido
Teaching methods
Frontal lesson, supported by slides and other teaching material
During the course, students will be asked to elaborate in groups on a selection of arguments; they will produce a short presentation on the assigned topic and discuss it in class with the teacher and the other students, following the “flipped classroom” approach.
This will be the basis for an intermediate verification of learning.
Assessment methods and criteria
An oral examination is used to verify learning.
The evaluation process considers the elaborates produced by the student during the group assignments, and their presentation to the class.
The final vote is produced basing on the arithmetic average of the votes obtained in the oral examinations of each module.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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