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529-0431-00L 4 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-MATH

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Physical Chemistry III: Quantum Mechanics

Physikalische Chemie III: Quantenmechanik

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar

Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Martin Quack, Prof. Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar

VVZ CR 3.2

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:18:40

Abstract

Review of classical wavemechanics, postulate of quantum mechanics, operator algebra, Schrödinger's equation, state functions and expectation values, particle in a box, tunneling, harmonic oscillator and molecular vibrations, angular momentum and spin, Pauli principle, perturbation theory, electronic structure of atoms and molecules, Born-Oppenheimer approximation.

Objective

This is a first course on quantum mechanics and the goal is to introduce the student to this topic. In doing so, the course starts with a review of classical wave mechanics and some mathematical topics such Fourier transformations and partial differential equations. A formal introduction to the postulates of quantum mechanics and their consequences follows. The course builds up the tools necessary for the understanding and calculation of elementary quantum phenomena in atoms and molecules.

Content

Review of classical wavemechanics. Postulate of quantum mechanics, operator algebra, Schrödinger's equation, state functions and expectation values. Principle of variation and perturbation theory. Linear motions: free particles, particle in a box, particle through a potential barrier, quantum mechanical tunnelling, the harmonic oscillator and molecular vibrations. Angular momentum: electronic spin and orbital motion, molecular rotations. Electronic structure of atoms and molecules: the Pauli principle, angular momentum coupling, the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.

General Information

Language: English (lecture), German (exercise)
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: Alle schriftlichen Unterlagen. Normaler Taschenrechner ist mitzubringen. Alle elektronischen Geräte, die Verbindung mit Dritten ermöglichen, sind verboten.

Course Components