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402-0205-00L 10 Credits BSC , MSC D-CHAB , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-ITET

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Quantum Mechanics I

Quantenmechanik I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Matthias Gaberdiel

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:58

Abstract

General structure of quantum theory: Hilbert spaces, states and observables, equations of motion, Heisenberg uncertainty relation, symmetries, angular momentum addition, EPR paradox, Schrödinger and Heisenberg picture.Applications: simple potentials in wave mechanics, scattering and resonance, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, and perturbation theory.

Objective

Introduction to single-particle quantum mechanics. Familiarity with basic ideas and concepts (quantisation, operator formalism, symmetries, angular momentum, perturbation theory) and generic examples and applications (bound states, tunneling, hydrogen atom, harmonic oscillator). Ability to solve simple problems.

Content

The beginnings of quantum theory with Planck, Einstein and Bohr; Wave mechanics; Simple examples; The formalism of quantum mechanics (states and observables, Hilbert spaces and operators, the measurement process); Heisenberg uncertainty relation; Harmonic oscillator; Symmetries (in particular rotations); Hydrogen atom; Angular momentum addition; Quantum mechanics and classical physics (EPR paradoxon and Bell's inequality); Perturbation theory.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Auf Moodle, in deutscher Sprache

Literature

G. Baym, Lectures on Quantum Mechanics E. Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics L.I. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics R. Feynman and A.R. Hibbs, Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals J.J. Sakurai: Modern Quantum Mechanics A. Messiah: Quantum Mechanics I S. Weinberg: Lectures on Quantum Mechanics

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: None

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Quantenmechanik I	Tue 09:45-11:30 (HPV G 4) Thu 11:45-12:30 (HPV G 4)	3 h weekly
exercise	Quantenmechanik I Do 10-12 oder Do 16-18	Thu 09:45-11:30 (HCI H 8.1) Thu 09:45-11:30 (HIT F 31.2) Thu 09:45-11:30 (HIT K 52) Thu 09:45-11:30 (HPK D 24.2) Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL B 21) Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIL E 10.1) Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIT K 51) Thu 15:45-17:30 (HPK D 24.2)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Mathematics Bachelor
- Core Courses
  - Core Courses: Further Application-Oriented Fields (For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
Physics Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
  - Second and Third Year Compulsory Courses
    - Examination Block III
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - Physics (For the field of specialization `Physics' basic knowledge in quantum mechanics is required.)
Mathematics Master
- Core Courses (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  - Bachelor Core Courses: Applied Mathematics ... (Further restrictions apply, but in particular: 401-3601-00L Probability Theory can only be recognised for the Master Programme if neither 401-3642-00L Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus nor 401-3602-00L Applied Stochastic Processes has been recognised for the Bachelor Programme. 402-0205-00L Quantum Mechanics I is eligible as an applied core course, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics (offered for the last time in FS 2016) isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
Quantum Engineering Master
- 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.)
  - Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)