University of Colorado Boulder

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Wounjhang Park

Instructor: Wounjhang Park

12,697 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.4

(75 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 26 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.4

(75 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 26 hours
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Understand the quantum mechanical meaning of wave-particle duality

  • Calculate probabilities and expectation values for physical observables

  • Use both Schrödinger and Heisenberg picture to solve for time evolution of quantum states

  • Describe fermions and bosons using multiparticle basis functions.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 quizzes

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 6 modules in this course

In this module we will introduce the course and the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers specialization. In addition, we will discuss wave-particle duality, time-independent Schrödinger equation. one-dimensional infinite potential well problem, properties of eigensolutions and Hilbert space.

What's included

6 videos4 readings1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module, we will solve several one-dimensional potential problems. They include finite potential well, harmonic oscillator, potential step and potential barrier. We will discuss the physical meaning of the solutions and highlight any non-classical behaviors these problems exhibit.

What's included

4 videos3 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

This module covers the theory of measurements in quantum mechanics. We start our discussion by introducing Stern-Gerlach experiment and the difficulty in interpreting the results classically. We then develop mathematical tools required to properly describe the results and then apply them to the interpretation of Stern-Gerlach experiments.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

In this module we expand upon the discussion from the previous module and introduces Hamiltonian, position and momentum operators and the uncertainty principle that governs the relationship between the operators. We also discuss the general principle of change of basis and the specific example of position and momentum representations.

What's included

4 videos3 readings1 quiz1 peer review

This module discusses how to describe the time-evolution of a quantum system. There are two equivalent methods, Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures, where the time evolution can be obtained by the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and Heisenberg equation of motion, respectively. We will discuss the specific example of harmonic oscillator and finally introduce the particle current.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 quiz1 peer review

This module discusses how to deal with ensembles. We will first discuss the difference between pure and mixed states and how to use the density matrix to describes them. We then discuss indistinguishable particles and exchange interaction, which eventually lead us to the thermal distribution functions.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.1 (18 ratings)
Wounjhang Park
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses52,810 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

4.4

75 reviews

  • 5 stars

    68%

  • 4 stars

    13.33%

  • 3 stars

    14.66%

  • 2 stars

    1.33%

  • 1 star

    2.66%

Showing 3 of 75

AS
5

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

IB
5

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2023

RM
5

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2023

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions