# PHY491H1/1491H Current Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

## Official description

Views of the nature of scientific theories.  Quick review of conventional textbook quantum mechanics.  Elements of formal measurement theory and wave function collapse; decoherence and the classical/quantum boundary.  Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.  Operationalist quantum mechanics.  Hidden variable theories; possibilities and problems.  “Beables.”  Contextuality and non locality.  Bell theorems.  Bohm deBroglie theory and generalizations.  Modal interpretations and consistent histories quantum mechanics of Gell-Mann and Hartle.  Relative state interpretations (Everett “many worlds,” more modern versions).   Interactional interpretation.  Modal interpretations and consistent histories quantum mechanics of Gell-Mann, Hartle, and Griffiths. Relative state interpretations (Everett “many worlds,” more modern versions of Wallace and Carroll). QBism. Interactional interpretation. A sketch of collapse theories

Prerequisite
PHY456H1
Co-requisite
n.a.
Exclusion
n.a.
Recommended preparation
n.a.
Textbook
                            n/a some notes will be distributed.

BR=5
Distribution requirement
DR=SCI
course title
PHY491H1/1491H
session
winter
year of study
4th year
time and location
24L: LEC0101: MW3, Room: MP134 24T: TUT0101: MW4, Room: MP134
instructor

#### Delivery Methods

In Person

A course is considered In Person if it requires attendance at a specific location and time for some or all course activities.*.

* Subject to adjustments imposed by public health requirements for physical distancing.

Online - Synchronous
A course is considered Online Synchronous if online attendance is expected at a specific time for some or all course activities, and attendance at a specific location is not expected for any activities or exams.
Asynchronous
A course is considered Asynchronous if it has no requirement for attendance at a specific time or location for any activities or exams.