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Quantum Physics for Non-Physicists
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:13
Abstract
This course covers similar contents to Quantum Mechanics I, but through an information-theoretical approach, especially suited for students with backgrounds in computer science, mathematics or engineering. We start from the postulates of quantum theory and build up to the tools needed to study the behaviour of complex systems, from entangled spins to the hydrogen atom and nano heat engines.
Objective
This course teaches the formalism and physics of quantum mechanics. Students are equipped with tools to analyse complex settings such as the hydrogen atom, thermal engines and scattering. It covers similar contents to QM1 but from an information-theoretical perspective.
Content
1. Quantum formalism, from qubits to particles in space - Dirac notation - Postulates of quantum physics - Discrete systems: qubits, the Bloch sphere - Continuous variables: position and momentum, the wave function - Multiple systems: tensor product, entanglement - Application: internal degrees of freedom of photons and electrons 2. Time and dynamics for quantum systems - Unitary evolution and the Schrödinger equation - Hamiltonian evolution and functions of operators - Commutation relations and symmetries - Application: the double-slit experiment 3. Uncertainty and open systems - Modelling uncertainty: the density matrix - Example: thermal states - Open systems, irreversible evolution and Lindblad operators - Application: heat engines 4. Spin and oscillators - Spin and rotation - Orbital angular momentum - Ladder systems and the harmonic oscillator 5. Several particles, bosons and fermions - Relative coordinates - Identical particles and symmetry groups - Fermions and bosons - Second quantization 6. Problems in 1D - Dynamics of a free particle - Potential wells and stationary waves - Spin chains 7. Problems in 3D - Central potentials - The hydrogen atom 8. Perturbation theory - Assumptions and derivation - Application: scattering 9. Non-locality - Bell's theorem - Non-classicality of quantum theory (extra) - Modular momentum (extra) 10. Foundations of quantum theory - Paradoxes - Quantum reference frames - Deriving the postulates of quantum mechanics from first principles
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes will be distributed through the semester.
Literature
Quantum Processes Systems, and Information, by Benjamin Schumacher and Michael Westmoreland, available at Link
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- One A4 sheet, double-sided, handwritten.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Quantum Physics for Non-Physicists
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
3 h weekly |
| exercise |
Quantum Physics for Non-Physicists
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (Students may also choose courses from the Master's program in Computer Science. It is their responsibility to make sure that they meet the requirements and conditions for these courses.)
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Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
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Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)
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Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)
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