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402-0435-00L 3 Credits MSC , BSC D-PHYS

Quantum Foundations Seminar

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Beate Elisabeth Asenbeck, Dr. Viktoria Kabel

A waiting list has been introduced due to high demand. Absence on the first day of the seminar will result in cancellation of registration, except in cases of illness. Interested students on the waiting list can participate on the first day and have the option of moving up to a vacant place (selection based on registration date).

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:40

Abstract

This course explores the foundational challenges and interpretations of quantum mechanics. Students will examine key paradoxes and interpretational frameworks, developing a toolkit to tackle foundational questions in quantum theory and critically assess the latest research.

Objective

By the end of this lecture course, students will have a clear understanding of the interpretational challenges of quantum mechanics and develop the basic tools to address foundational questions. They will be equipped to participate actively in discussions on this subject and critically evaluate new research. Moreover, the additional philosophical perspective will help students develop precision in their definitions and navigate between different viewpoints.

Content

Topics include the EPR paradox and Bell’s theorem, contextuality of quantum mechanics (QM) including the Kochen-Specker theorem and its connection to quantum-error correction, and the quantum-to-classical transition through decoherence and coarse-grained measurements. Moreover, we will cover several interpretations of QM (de-Broglie Bohm, Many-Worlds, Copenhagen, QBism, and relational QM), Wigner’s friend scenarios, and reconstructions of QM.

General Information

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

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Presentation in groups (20-30 min per person) with a written summary of the presentation; submission of a completed questionnaire about the relevant literature before each seminar (with up to three permitted exceptions).Presence at the individual session.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 39
Signup End: 15.02.2026

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
seminar	Quantum Foundations Seminar	Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIT H 42)	2 h weekly