Physics 137B

Physics 137B is the second (upper division) course in Quantum Mechanics. It is a four unit course.

Overview

Whereas Physics 137A discusses fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics and simple toy models, Physics 137B equips the connoisseur of “real physics” with the ability to handle real systems with clever tools. After picking up inventive approximate methods such as perturbation theory (for small changes to a potential), the variational principle (for estimating energies of intractable systems), and WKB theory (for slowly varying potentials in certain regimes), students will be able to handle systems as diverse and practical as the helium atom, atomic level transitions, and nuclear decay. The class also addresses identical particles as well as scattering, increasing the class’ portfolio of useful lessons. Depending on the instructor, this class may also provide an introduction to quantum information or other special topics.

Prerequisites

Physics 5A, Physics 5B, and Physics 5C or Physics 7A, Physics 7B, and Physics 7C and Physics 137A.

Student Comments

“Bousso is theoretical. Crommie is great. Crommie is more experimental, but covers all of Griffiths. Class is not rushed, good pace, great homeworks. Exams not too hard at all. Bousso goes too fast, just to talk about information and qubits. The class is harder. [Expect] out of 137B, actual tools in quantum to tackle problems people care about today.” – Physics 137B GSI