The objective of the course is for the student to develop the knowledge and skills within quantum mechanics which are needed to describe basic structures and dynamics of atoms, molecules and solids.

• Historical background

• Wave–particle duality

• The time-dependent and time-independent Schrödinger equation

• Mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics

• Angular momentum and spherical harmonics

• Single- and multi-electron systems

• Chemical bonds

• Numerical methods for solving the Schrödinger equation

• The Hartree-Fock approximation.

After completing the course the student shall:

• describe basic characteristics of quantum systems

• explain central concepts such as wave–particle duality, wave function and superposition

• formulate as well as qualitatively justify the Schrödinger equation

• explain and give examples of how operators in quantum mechanics are used to represent observable physical quantities,

• explain central concepts such as probability, outcome, expected value and uncertainty.

• explain the principles behind calculations of properties for multi electron systems

After completing the course the student shall:

• solve the Schrödinger equation for an infinite potential well and describe the main features of the solution and its properties for a finite well,

• calculate probability for, as well as describe the qualitative properties of, transmission in simpler potential structures,

• deduce basic operator relations and perform simple calculations using operators, as well as simpler approximational calculations of energies based on perturbation theory and variational methods,

• use numerical methods to solve problems of quantum mechanics

After completing the course the student shall:

• demonstrate their ability to determine which situations require a quantum mechanics approach

• be able to explain and give examples of the role of quantum mechanics within materials science

• based on the course objectives and their personal goals, be able to reflect upon their progress as regards knowledge and abilities.

Lectures, exercises and computer laboratory sessions, independent study.

Requirements for pass (grade A-E): Passed computational exercises (3 credits), passed written examination (4.5 credits). The laboratory sessions are graded as pass or fail.

The final grade is based on the written exam.

The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).

When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.

The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.