Course Description

Dive into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics with this comprehensive 9-week course offered by StanfordOnline. Designed for students and professionals with a background in physical science or engineering, this course provides a substantial introduction to quantum mechanics and its practical applications. As quantum mechanics becomes increasingly relevant in fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, electronic devices, and photonics, this course aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications.

What Students Will Learn

• A conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics
• Key physics concepts essential for quantum mechanics
• Fundamental ideas in using quantum mechanical waves
• Mathematics of quantum mechanical waves
• Quantum mechanics of systems that change in time
• Measurements in quantum mechanics
• The uncertainty principle
• The hydrogen atom
• How to solve real problems using quantum mechanics

Prerequisites

This introductory-level course requires a reasonable college-level understanding of physical science or engineering. Specific prerequisites include:

• Basic algebra and trigonometry
• Functions, vectors, and matrices
• Complex numbers
• Ordinary differential and integral calculus
• Ordinary and partial differential equations
• Elementary classical mechanics (Newton's Laws)
• Basic ideas in electricity and magnetism

Course Content

• Introduction to quantum mechanics and its importance in the everyday world
• Schroedinger's wave equation and key ideas in using quantum mechanical waves
• Eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, and the "particle in a box" concept
• Time variation by superposition of wave functions
• The harmonic oscillator and movement in quantum mechanics
• Operators in quantum mechanics and the quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian
• Measurement and its paradoxes, including the Stern-Gerlach experiment
• Angular momentum in quantum mechanics and atomic orbitals
• Quantum mechanics with more than one particle
• Solving for the hydrogen atom
• Approximation methods in quantum mechanics

Who This Course Is For

• Physics students looking to deepen their understanding of quantum mechanics
• Engineering students interested in quantum applications in their field
• Technical professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in quantum mechanics
• Anyone with a strong background in physical science or engineering wanting to explore quantum mechanics

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this quantum mechanics course have numerous real-world applications, including:

• Developing new materials with specific properties for various industries
• Designing and optimizing electronic devices and semiconductors
• Advancing nanotechnology and nanoscale engineering
• Improving photonics and optoelectronic devices
• Contributing to quantum computing and quantum information processing
• Enhancing medical imaging and diagnostic techniques
• Developing more efficient energy storage and conversion technologies
• Advancing drug discovery and computational chemistry

Syllabus

1. Introduction to quantum mechanics
2. Schroedinger's wave equation
3. Getting "quantum" behavior
4. Quantum mechanics of systems that change in time
5. Measurement in quantum mechanics
6. Writing down quantum mechanics simply
7. The hydrogen atom
8. How to solve real problems

This comprehensive quantum mechanics course offers a unique opportunity to gain a solid foundation in quantum mechanics concepts, mathematics, and applications. By focusing on both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving, students will be well-equipped to apply quantum mechanics principles in various fields of science and engineering, contributing to groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements.