Physical Chemistry III: Molecular Quantum Mechanics

This is an introductory course in quantum mechanics. The course starts with an overview of the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and introduces the mathematical formalism. The postulates and theorems of quantum mechanics are then discussed in the context of experimental and numerical determination of physical quantities. The course develops the tools necessary for the understanding and calculation of elementary quantum phenomena in atoms and molecules.

Topics:

• Postulates and theorems of quantum mechanics: operator algebra, Schrödinger's equation, state functions and expectation values.
• Linear motion: free particles, particle in a box, 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.
• Variational principle and perturbation theory.
• Discussion of larger systems (solids, nano-structures).

Time and Place:
Monday 7:45 -8:30 HCI G3, Tuesday 10:45-12:30 HCI G7

Tutorials (Übungsstunden)

Time and Place:  

There will be alltogether 12 tutorials. You are assigned to one group (Übungsgruppe), Download here (PDF, 262 KB) you can find the list with the groups. If you wish to change your group, please contact Dr. Thomas Wiegand. We will try to consider your preferences, provided the size of the groups remains balanced.

Names and contact information of the assistants can be found in the following: