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Syllabus:

Grading: Homework 35%, Quizzes 10%, 2 In-class Tests 30%, Final Exam: 25%.

Thresholds: 90%= A, 87%=A-, 83%=B+, 80%= B, 77%=B-, 73%=C+, 70%=C and the badlands: 67% C- ,63%=D+, 60%=D, 57%=D-, 50%=F.

Curriculum in brief: "Mathematical and physical foundations of quantum theory in terms of wave and matrix mechanics. Applications to properties of atoms and solids."

"Student learning outcomes": acquire a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, develop/hone your 'applied' mathematical skills, particularly linear algebra, complex arithmetic, and multidimensional integrals and and, using those skills, be able to tackle challenging quantum mechanics problems.

There will be a lot of homework for this course, mostly based on the textbook questions with *'s next to them. The only way to learn quantum mechanics is to spend time working on your homework (solving additional textbook problems that are not assigned will pay off via exams). QM requires a mastery of technical mathematics skills and the only way to learn these skills is through practice. Expect several hours of homework a week. Homework is due at 12pm on the day due. Late fees are: 50% dockage if submitted between 12pm and 4pm on the due day.

I encourage you to work together, mostly by comparing notes at the end of problems. Don't copy answers, even in part, because plagiarism = bad (and I have to report you to the University). In an answer I expect to see full working's, without (non-trivial) lines skipped, use words to explain to me what you're doing, and why you're doing it! A correct answer with no explanations = 0.

There are random quizzes: 5 minutes in length at 10am sharp!, and mostly conceptual. I may ask, for example, for you to write down the Schroedinger equation, or perhaps sketch the harmonic oscillator ground state wavefunction or perhaps diagonalise a 5x5 matrix. They are unannounced and are closed books, closed notes. I will give 15 quizzes, roughly one a week, and your 2 worst automatically won't count. Quizzes cannot be made up (except for special circumstances, such as a long illness).

As part of the quiz mark of 10%, I will also be assigning one 1927 Solvay conference attendee to you. On Friday (31st) I will inform you of which class I have designated that you can present a verbal biography of their life, at the start of class, aiming for 2 minutes total length. The mark for this is worth 2 quizzes (this can only be performed at a later time with appropriate medical certificate).

There will be two in-class tests. The first will probably be Wednesday, 10th October, and the second will be Wednesday, 14th November. Each will cover roughly the material of the previous 5-6 weeks.

Final exam: will cover everything, Friday 14th December 8am-10am in P-149. I will allow in Griffith's only, and my notes (and your notes upon my notes), and any integrals will be provided... you won't need calculators...