University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

(This course will be run every other year.) This is an introductory course to 1-dimensional quantum mechanics. The course covers topics such as the Schrodinger equation and wave functions, infinite and finite square well potentials, the harmonic oscillator, wave packets, vector spaces and the uncertainty principle
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Calculate position and momentum expectation values for simple 1-d wave functions.
  2. Solve for energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Schrodinger Equation for the 1-d infinite potential well.
  3. Solve for energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Schrodinger Equation for the 1-d Harmonic oscillator
  4. Solve for bound and free energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Schrodinger Equation for a finite potential well and finite potential barrier.
  5. Calculate 1-d free wave packet solutions using the Fourier transform.
  6. Calculate inner products, norms, unitary base changes for a vector space.
  7. Derive the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and uncertainty principle for 1-d quantum systems.
  8. Apply the uncertainty principle in selected cases such as showing that the mimimal uncertainty wave function is a Gaussian wave packet.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths
    Publisher: Pearson Education
The above information outlines module MP356: "Quantum Mechanics I" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.