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There are 6 modules in this course
This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5610, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
This course covers the fundamental concepts and topics of quantum mechanics which include basic concepts, 1D potential problems, time evolution of quantum states, and essential linear algebra. It provides undergraduate level foundational knowledge and build on them more advanced topics.
At the end of this course learners will be able to:
1. demonstrate full grasp of basic concepts in quantum mechanics including wave-particle duality, operators and wavefunctions, and evolution of quantum states,
2. achieve mastery of the mathematical apparatus needed for quantum mechanics and
3. attain foundational knowledge required to learn more advanced quantum mechanics and applications.
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.
Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization Introduction•7 minutes
Course Introduction•5 minutes
Wave-particle Duality•9 minutes
Time-independent Schrödinger Equation•13 minutes
Properties of Eigensolutions•11 minutes
Hilbert Space•18 minutes
6 readings•Total 34 minutes
Course Updates and Accessibility Support•1 minute
Non-Credit Students: Welcome and Where to Find Help•10 minutes
Suggested textbooks•2 minutes
Module Topics•1 minute
Physical Constants•10 minutes
Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 90 minutes
Homework #1•90 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Introduce Yourself•10 minutes
Zero-point Energy•10 minutes
One-dimensional Potential Problems
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
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 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 57 minutes
Finite Potential Well•18 minutes
Harmonic Oscillator•10 minutes
Potential Step•13 minutes
Potential Barrier•16 minutes
3 readings•Total 21 minutes
Module Topics•1 minute
Physical Constants•10 minutes
Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 90 minutes
Homework #2•90 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
1D Potential Problems and Optics•10 minutes
Operators and Measurements 1
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
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.
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 assignment1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 50 minutes
Uncertainty Principle•15 minutes
Hamiltonian, Momentum, Position Operators•10 minutes
Change of Basis•14 minutes
Wavefunctions in Momentum and Position Basis•11 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Module Topics•10 minutes
Physical Constants•10 minutes
Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 180 minutes
Homework #4•180 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Change of Basis•60 minutes
Time Evolution of Quantum States
Module 5•6 hours to complete
Module details
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 assignment1 peer review
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 69 minutes
Time-dependent Schrödinger Equation•21 minutes
Schrödinger vs Heisenberg Picture•17 minutes
Harmonic Oscillator Revisited•14 minutes
Time Evolution of Harmonic Oscillator•9 minutes
Particle Current•8 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Module Topics•10 minutes
Physical Constants•10 minutes
Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 180 minutes
Homework #5•180 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Momentum Conservation•60 minutes
Ensembles and Identical Particles
Module 6•4 hours to complete
Module details
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 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 70 minutes
Pure and Mixed States•24 minutes
Density Matrix•6 minutes
Indistinguishability•14 minutes
Exchange Interaction•13 minutes
Thermal Distribution•13 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Module Topics•10 minutes
Physical Constants•10 minutes
Entering Math Expressions•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 120 minutes
Homework #6•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Ferromagnetism•10 minutes
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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
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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
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.