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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Quantum Mechanics: Wavefunctions, Operators, and Expectation Values

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX

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Overview

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In this quantum physics course you will learn the basics of quantum mechanics. We begin with de Broglie waves, the wavefunction, and its probability interpretation. We then introduce the Schrodinger equation, inner products, and Hermitian operators. We also study the time-evolution of wave-packets, Ehrenfest's theorem, and uncertainty relations.

This is the first course in a series which includes:

  • Quantum Mechanics: Wavefunctions, Operators, and Expectation Values
  • Quantum Mechanics: Quantum Physics in 1D Potentials
  • Quantum Mechanics: 1D Scattering and Central Potentials

The series is based on MIT 8.04: Quantum Mechanics I. At MIT, 8.04 is the first of a three-course sequence in Quantum Mechanics, a cornerstone in the education of physics majors that prepares them for advanced and specialized studies in any field related to quantum physics. This online course follows the on-campus version and will be equally rigorous.

After completing the 8.04x series, you will be ready to tackle the Mastering Quantum Mechanics course series on edX, 8.05x.

Syllabus

None

Taught by

Barton Zwiebach , Jolyon Bloomfield and Saif Rayyan

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Quantum Mechanics: Wavefunctions, Operators, and Expectation Values

  • Bart
    One of the best MOOCs (of the very many) I took. Great staff involvement, great community of students, excellent lectures and challenging (and rewarding) problem sets. MIT again set the standard for what is a good MOOC! It was hard work to meet the weekly deadlines and keep up with the pace of the course, but a great learning experience. In order to succeed in this course one definitely need a bit of background in (intro) physics, college level math and preferable have seen a little bit of Quantum Mechanics before (or just have a very good brain).
  • Arnaud Dion
    Prof. Zwiebach is an extraordinarly competent teacher, with a subtle touch of humour ! Lectures and documents are well designed and helpful. Exercices emphasize the key points of this field. However, be aware that it's not a course complete beginners. You should have a solid background in math and probability. After all, quantum mechanic is not an easy science ! But if you have the prerequisites, go ahead ! That's probably one of the best course on this science.

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