CSUSB                       PHYSICS 421 Quantum Mechanics I                FALL 2013
Timothy D. Usher, Ph.D.
Office: PS-113
Telephone: 537-5410
E-mail: tusher@csusb.edu
Physics Office: PS-119, Telephone: 537-5397
Physics web site http://physics.csusb.edu
Office Hours: MW 11:50 – 12:20 and MW 3:50-4:50 (after class)

Required Textbooks: "A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics by John S. Townsend. The sequential course, Physics 422 will, use the same text.
Recommended Textbooks: Feynnman Lectures on Physics, Volume III, The principles of quantum mechanics by Paul A. Dirac. Dirac invented bra-ket notation. Renteln Lecture Introduction to wave mechanics and The Dirac Approach to Quantum Theory by our very own Paul Renteln.
Other available materials: Homework solutions and other materials will be made available on reserved reading in the library.
Prerequisites: Physics 225 and one of the following: Math 373 or Physics 373 (or 310). Math 331 is recommended.
Sequence of topics
Stern-Gerlach Experiments
Rotation of Basis States and Matrix Mechanics
Angular Momentum
Time Evolution
A System of Two Spin 1/2 Particles
Wave Mechanics in One Dimension
The One-Dimensional Harmonic Oscillator

TESTS
You will be given three opportunities to demonstrate your understanding (otherwise known as test), two midterms and a final. The first midterm will be around the fifth week and the last midterm will be at the end of the quarter. The final is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 2:00pm.

ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments will be in two parts: reading and problems. The assignments will be written on the blackboard at the beginning of each class. The assigned reading will include the material to be covered in the next lecture. Pop quizzes may be given at the beginning of some classes as encouragement to keep up with the reading. Each question on the quiz will carry the same weight as a homework problem.

Problems will be assigned each class day. I will try to assign most of them on Monday. The problems are due the following Monday. There will be a folder at the front of the classroom marked "Homework to be graded (first attempt)". Place your homework in there before or after class, not during class! The homework will be graded and returned to you Wednesday. You will receive one of the following marks on each problem with the indicated meanings.

"check" = problem was solved satisfactorily (1 credit)
"OK" = solution was barely adequate, strongly recommend reviewing solution (1 credit)
"X" = solution was not clear or unsatisfactory (˝ credit)
"XX" = no clear attempt was made to solve problem (0 credit)

If you receive an X you should rework the problem with whatever aid (short of copying) you wish to use including posted solutions, solution manuals, fellow students, etc. After you have reworked the solution you may resubmit the problem Monday in the folder marked "Homework to be graded (Second attempt)." If the second attempt is satisfactory, you will receive 1 credit. Working the problem on your own the first time can't hurt you but it can help you on test day! If you receive XX you may work the problem and turn it in to the (Second attempt) folder. If the solution is satisfactory you will receive half credit. If the solution is not satisfactory you receive no credit and you have run out of chances to turn in the homework! This system automatically allows for late homework, but deducts half a point per homework problem no matter what the excuse is. Turning in late homework once or twice should not hurt your grade much, but habitually late or no homework could hurt a lot!

This system of homework can get confusing, Please adhere to the following requests.
1) Neatness
    a) Staple pages
    b) Work on one side only
    c) No pages torn out of notebooks
    d) Problems in order
    e) Your name and chapter number, and wether it is a first or second attempt.

2) Conciseness--The problem must be solved clearly in an easy to read form. Show all key steps, basic relations used and explanations where needed. Underlining or boxing the answer will help. In short, I should be able to look at your solution and be able to tell what you did within a few seconds.

If these criterion are not met, the problem may be marked X or even XX.

Grading
The different components of the course will carry the following weights:
2 Tests 45.0% (22.5% each)
Final Exam 25.0%
Problems and Pop quizzes 30.0%

Grading scale:
100 - 95 A
94 - 90 -A
89 - 85 +B
84 - 80 B
79 - 75 -B
74 - 70 +C
69 - 65 C
64 - 60 -C
59 - 55 +D
54 - 50 D
49 - 45 -D
45 or less F

IMPORTANT NOTES:


Department of Physics Mission Statement: Our mission is to teach students how to measure, describe, and explain natural phenomena through scientific investigation and critical thinking. Students learn the concepts of physics, quantitative methods for analysis, experimental techniques for testing theoretical predictions, and the skills necessary to discovering new phenomena. The study of a range of fundamental topics and the underlying theory reveals physics to be a stimulating and rewarding discipline that has important connections to other sciences, modern technology, and society as a whole.

Physics 421 Catalog Description: Introduction to quantum mechanics. Topics include the origins of quantum theory, angular momentum, the Dirac formalism, 2-level systems and the harmonic oscillator. Four hours lecture.

Math Preparation: To succeed in this class, you will need a good working knowledge of multivariable calculus at the level of Mathematics 252, linear algebra at the level of Mathematics 331, and functional analysis at the level of Physics 373.

Relevant Program-level Student Learning Goals and Outcomes:

Goal 1: Students should have in-depth knowledge of the foundational subjects in physics (primarily classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics & statistical mechanics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics) and be able to apply that knowledge to problem-solving.

Outcome 1.5: Students will demonstrate a developing understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level by formulating and solving quantitative problems. This will be exhibited in the following ways.

1.5a: Homework solutions of problems covering the range of topics.

1.5b: Problem-solving on the exams, covering the range of topics, and the integration of various topics.

University Policies

The Policy and Procedures Concerning Academic Dishonesty states: Plagiarism and cheating are violations of the Student Discipline Code (see Appendix of the CSUSB Catalogue of Programs) and may be dealt with by both the instructor and the Judicial Affairs Officer. Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas and writings of another as one’s own. Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of any dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means. Plagiarism is academically dishonest and makes the offending student liable to penalties up to and including expulsion. Students must make appropriate acknowledgments of the original source where material written or complies by another is used. Questions about academic dishonesty and the policy should be addressed to the Office of the Vice President, Student Affairs.

Commitment to Diversity: In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. In our commitment to diversity, we welcome people from all backgrounds and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community.  Dimensions of diversity shall include, but are not limited to, the following: race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, sex/gender, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, national origin, and age. (from the CSU San Bernardino University Diversity Committee Statement of Commitment to Diversity, 1995).     In keeping with the university’s Commitment to Diversity, the faculty of the College of Natural Sciences fully support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Faculty will provide reasonable accommodation to any student with a disability who is registered with the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities and who needs and requests accommodation.  If you are in need of an accommodation for a disability in order to participate in this class, please let me know ASAP and also contact Services to Students with Disabilities at UH-183, (909) 537-5238. It is the student’s responsibility to seek academic accommodations for a verified disability in a timely manner.