This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5612, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
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About this Course
Undergraduate-level calculus, differential equations and linear algebra
What you will learn
Distinguish non-degenerate and degenerate cases and use appropriate methods.
Perform calculations using the time-independent perturbation theory.
Describe absorption and stimulated emission processes.
Obtain approximate solutions using the variational method.
Skills you will gain
- Energy
- Energy Level
- Perturbation Theory
- Quantum Mechanics
Undergraduate-level calculus, differential equations and linear algebra
Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder
CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Time-independent Perturbation Theory
In this module we will introduce the course on approximation methods commonly used in quantum mechanics and then discuss time-independent perturbation theory. We will first discuss non-degenerate perturbation theory and derive useful formulas for the first- and second-order corrections. We will then discuss degenerate perturbation theory. We will also discuss specific examples where the various perturbation methods are used - Stark effect, fine structure and Zeeman effect.
Time-dependent Perturbation Theory
In this module, we will introduce interaction picture and derive time evolution equations. After discussing a simple but illuminating example of two-state system, we develop time-dependent perturbation theory and discuss the probability of transitions between quantum states induced by external perturbation.
Other Approximation Methods
This module covers several non-perturbative approximation methods. They are the tight binding method, variational method and the use of finite basis set.
About the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization
This Specialization is intended for engineers seeking to acquire fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics which are the basis of modern electrical, mechanical and quantum engineering. Through 3 courses, you will learn (1) basic concepts such as superposition and entanglement of quantum states, measurement in quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle, (2) mathematical tools needed to describe and manipulate quantum states, (3) advanced theory of angular momentum and (4) approximation methods widely applicable in many fields.

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