PHY256H1 Introduction to Quantum Physics

Official description

Failures of classical physics; the Quantum revolution; Stern-Gerlach effect; harmonic oscillator; uncertainty principle; interference packets; scattering and tunneling in one-dimension.

Prerequisite
PHY132H1/152H1, (MAT135H1,MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1
Co-requisite
MAT235Y1/237Y1/257Y1,(MAT223H1/240H1 recommended)
Exclusion
n.a.
Recommended preparation
n.a.
Textbook
                            ['Quantum Mechanics, by David McIntyre']

BR=5
Distribution requirement
DR=SCI

Quantum physics is one of the major scientific and intellectual developments of the 20th century. Not only has it revolutionized Man's understanding of the structure of matter, but it underpins a broad cross-section of modern technology, from the transistors in your computer to the lasers carrying data over the internet. More than that, however, it has led to a radical change in the underlying way we understand the world. This change is not limited to atoms, or even to the microscopic world in general. It applies whether we are discussing atoms and molecules, metals and semiconductors, electricity, magnetism, light, or the universe itself.
We will start with the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and will then develop the basic mathematical and conceptual tools to deal with important topics such as the uncertainty principle, interference, entanglement, tunneling, and the structure of the atom.  You will be challenged to develop your intuition about the quantum world, with discussions based largely on two-level systems such as photon polarization,  the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and two-slit interferometers.  We will touch on potential applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum computers.

course title
PHY256H1
session
fall
year of study
2nd year
time and location
24L: LEC0101 and LEC9101: MW1, Online Synchronous 12T: W3/W4/F1/F3, Online Synchronous
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.