Quantum Mechanics I

The probabilistic theory of particles and their interactions has been very successful since its early forms treated quantization of radiation, electron photon interactions and atomic energies (Planck 1901, Einstein 1905 and Bohr 1913). Modern quantum mechanics deal with particles described as wave packets having a range of positions and momenta. This explains both the particle and wave effects observed. These wave packets are solutions of the Schrodinger wave equation and involve both space and time. The formal theory involves finding wave function solutions for harmonic oscillators, the hydrogen atom and other systems. Physical properties of these systems are extracted from these wave functions through the use of mathematical operators. This course is essential for those wishing to pursue graduate study in physics or related areas.