Content and teaching | Assessment | Availability

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

There are two aims for this module. The first is to introduce the mathematical structure of quantum mechanics and to explain how to compute expectation values for observable quantities of a system. The second is to show how quantum theory accounts for properties of atoms, elementary particles, nuclei and solids.

Principal learning outcomes

At the end of the module you should: know the origin of the n,l,m and s quantum numbers and be able to use the Pauli exclusion principle to explain the periodic table; understand the significance of Hermitian operators and eigenvalue equations and be able to use the correspondence principle to find the form of a quantum mechanical operator; be able to use quantum mechanics to derive a description of the electron states of the hydrogen atom; be familiar with the free-electron model of a metal; be familiar with the concepts of energy bands and how these can be used to explain the properties of metals and semiconductors; be able to describe the elements of the standard model and to apply simple ideas from quantum theory to explain phenomena observed in particles and nuclei.

Timetabled teaching activities

about 40 Lectures + problems classes

Departmental link

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/teach/syllabi/year2/px262

Module assessment

Assessment group	Assessment name	Percentage
15 CATS (Module code: PX262-15)
D (Assessed/examined work)	Assessed Course Work	15%
	Examination - Main Summer Exam Period (weeks 4-9)	85%
	Assessed Course Work	100%

Module availability

This module is available on the following courses:

Core

• Undergraduate Physics (BSc) (F300) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Physics (BSc MPhys) (F304) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Physics and Business Studies (F3N1) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (BSc MMathPhys) (FG33) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (BSc) (GF13) - Year 2

Optional Core

N/A

Optional

• Undergraduate Mathematics (BSc) (G100) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics with Intercalated Year (G101) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) (G103) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Master of Mathematics (with Intercalated Year) (G105) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe (G106) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Business Studies (with Intercalated Year) (G1N2) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Business Studies (G1NC) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Economics (GL11) - Year 2
• Undergraduate Mathematics and Economics (with Intercalated Year) (GL12) - Year 2