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10868-01 - Main lecture: Einführung in die Physik III: Quanten- und Atomphysik (4 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers | Richard Warburton (richard.warburton@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The lecture represents a first course in quantum mechanics. It goes well beyond phenomenology: wave mechanics, i.e., the Schrödinger equation, will be presented along with solutions to famous and important problems. Once some working knowledge of wave mechanics has been acquired, the main postulates of quantum mechanics will be presented, introducing the widely-used Dirac notation. The Pauli exclusion principle will be introduced, with applications to the electronic structure of atoms and metals. Some basic quantum optics will also be included along with the concept of entanglement, also some examples in contemporary quantum technology. Topics: Particle as wave Wave as particle Schrödinger equation and the wave function Square well Superposition and measurement Harmonic oscillator Tunneling Schrödinger equation in two- and three-dimensions Postulates of quantum mechanics Angular momentum Spin Multi-electron systems: Pauli exclusion principle Exchange Fermi energy of a metal Quantum optics Entanglement Qubit |
| Learning objectives | The main goal is for students to acquire a deep understanding of introductory quantum mechanics and to become fluent in solving basic problems. This will act as a foundation for further subject-specific material in subsequent courses. |
| Bibliography | The lecture will use one main book: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 3rd Edition, David J. Griffiths and Darrell F. Schroeter [Cambridge University Press] The lecture will use the same notation as this book, and will follow a very similar structure. This book presents the theory in a clear and comprehensive way. It is however a theory book and some experimental examples will be included using other sources. |
| Comments | The lectures take place in the New Lecture Room, Department of Physics, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 13:15-15:00, starting in the first week of the semester. 4 credit points are available. They will be awarded on the basis of a written exam which will take place in January. The lectures are accompanied by a problem class. Solving problems is very important to become familiar with the subject material. Three problem classes are organised each week, each with an expert tutor. |
| Admission requirements | Previous knowledge of quantum mechanics is not required. Some mathematics is however essential, notably some understanding of differential equations, complex numbers, linear algebra, vectors and matrices. |
| Course application | |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 15.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 16.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 22.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 23.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 29.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 30.09.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 06.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 07.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 13.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 14.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 20.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 21.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 27.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 28.10.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 03.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 04.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 10.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 11.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 17.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 18.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 24.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 25.11.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 01.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 02.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 08.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 09.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Tuesday 15.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Wednesday 16.12.2026 | 13.15-15.00 | Physik, Neuer Hörsaal 1, Foyer EG |
| Modules |
Modul: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences) Modul: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences) Modul: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences) Modul: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences) Modul: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences) Module: Computational Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Computational Sciences (Start of studies before 01.08.2023)) Module: Experimental Physics II (Bachelor's degree subject: Physics) Module: Experimental Physics II (Bachelor's Studies: Physics) Module: Physics II (Bachelor's Studies: Nanosciences) |
| Assessment format | exam |
| Assessment details | Details on the exam will be published on: http://philnat.unibas.ch/examen/ |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: in 'course reg.'; dereg.: Dean of Std. Off. in writing |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Departement Physik |