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Quantum Mechanics I
Quantenmechanik I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:46
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
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
Learning Materials (Links)
- Documents
- Script of the lecture
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 180 minutes
- Aids
- ein doppelseitig beschriebenes (Schriftgrösse mindestens 10pt) A4-Blatt als Formelsammlung
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Quantenmechanik I |
|
3 h weekly |
| exercise |
Quantenmechanik I
Do 10-12 oder Fr 14-16
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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.)
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Physics (For the field of specialization `Physics' basic knowledge in quantum mechanics is required.)
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Core Courses (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 14 of the required 26 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
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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.)
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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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