Course Overview

Course Description

Objectives
The goals of this course are to teach you the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and to make you adept in solving relevant problems.

Textbook
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David J. Griffiths, Second Edition, Chapters to be covered: 1-4

Instructor Information

Research Fields
Theoretical Atomic Physics and Quantum Information
Marianna Safronova's Research web site

Instructor's travel
March 17 - 21 University of California, Berkeley

 

Course Requirements

Assignments

Homework
Homework is generally assigned each Thursday. It is due next Thursday. The homework is to be either brought to the lecture or put in the TA’s (Rupsi Pal) mailbox before physics office (Sharp 217) closes (about 4:30 – 5pm) on Thursday. The homework will only contain the material that has already been covered in class. One lowest homework grade will be dropped when the final homework grade is determined.

Quizzes
Graded quizzes (20-25 minutes, 1 problem) will be given at all Thursday lectures starting February 21. Exceptions will be noted in the lecture schedule. All quiz problems are always taken from the current homework. One lowest quiz grade will be dropped when the final quiz grade is determined.

Interactive lectures
I will frequently give problems to solve during lectures (not graded) or ask questions. The entire class is expected to work out the problems (with my assistance). On occasion, everyone will be expected to show the answer. Therefore, please have a few pieces of paper and a calculator during each lecture.

Exams

Format
There will be one closed book midterm exam during the course. There will be a final exam that will cover material from the whole semester. This will be a closed book exam as well. The course instructor will be grading all exams.

Dates & Locations
Midterm March 20, 12:30 - 1:45, Gore 115
Final Exam: TBA

 

Course Policies & Grading

Course Policies

Making up a quiz or exam and Late homework
Only excused absences are eligible for making up a quiz, exam, or submitting late homework. If you miss quiz or exam or are unable to submit homework on time due to an excused absence you have to notify me by e-mail and schedule a make up as soon as you can. No make ups (and late homework returns) will be scheduled after one week passes from the day of your absence unless special circumstances are present. If you anticipate a conflict ahead of time, then you should let me know in advance that you will or may be absent.  University policies ( http://www.udel.edu/provost/fachb/III-1-l-attendance.html ) outline the criteria for an excused absence.

Academic Honesty
Student Guide to University Policies: Code of Student Conduct

Homework Grading Policy
The problems are graded on the 3 point scale described below.

Explanation
3 points
The problem is solved correctly and correct answer is obtained.
2 points
Substantial portion of the solution, which is in the direction of the correct answer is given or complete (in principle correct) solution is given but some mistake is made which lead to incorrect answer.
1 point
An attempt to solve problem has been made and an understanding of how such problem may be solved is demonstrated (some work in the direction of the correct solution is present).
0 points
No solution is provided or no understanding of how such problem may be solved is demonstrated.
The total number of points and the possible maximum number of points will be marked on the homework. One lowest homework grade will be dropped when the final homework grade is determined.

Course Grade

Your final grade for Physics 424 will be based on your total score for all the components of the course (exams, quizzes, and homework assignments). The grade is determined as following:
Percentage Assigned
Midterm
25%
Final exam
40%
Homework
15% (one lowest grade is dropped)
Quizzes
20% (one lowest quiz grade is dropped)

Rough guidelines for letter grade ranges are listed below.

A
90 - 100
A-
85 - 90
B+
80 - 84
B
75 - 79
B-
70 - 74
C+
67 - 69
C
63 - 66
C-
60 - 62
D+
57 - 59
D+
57 - 59
D
53 - 56
D-
50 - 52
F
< 50