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Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Wounjhang Park

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5610, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course covers the fundamental concepts and topics of quantum mechanics which include basic concepts, 1D potential problems, time evolution of quantum states, and essential linear algebra. It provides undergraduate level foundational knowledge and build on them more advanced topics.

At the end of this course learners will be able to:

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5610, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course covers the fundamental concepts and topics of quantum mechanics which include basic concepts, 1D potential problems, time evolution of quantum states, and essential linear algebra. It provides undergraduate level foundational knowledge and build on them more advanced topics.

At the end of this course learners will be able to:

1. demonstrate full grasp of basic concepts in quantum mechanics including wave-particle duality, operators and wavefunctions, and evolution of quantum states,

2. achieve mastery of the mathematical apparatus needed for quantum mechanics and

3. attain foundational knowledge required to learn more advanced quantum mechanics and applications.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Wave-particle Duality and Schrödinger Equation
In this module we will introduce the course and the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers specialization. In addition, we will discuss wave-particle duality, time-independent Schrödinger equation. one-dimensional infinite potential well problem, properties of eigensolutions and Hilbert space.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for undergraduates majoring in electrical engineering
Provides foundational knowledge in quantum mechanics
Covers essential linear algebra for quantum mechanics
Builds a strong foundation for advanced topics in quantum mechanics
Taught by Wounjhang Park, a respected expert in quantum mechanics

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Reviews summary

Rigorous quantum mechanics foundation

According to learners, this course on Foundations of Quantum Mechanics is a largely positive experience, lauded for providing an incredibly clear and rigorous foundation. Students consistently praise the engaging instructor for their excellent explanations, especially of complex mathematical concepts. The course is deeply theoretical and focuses on the mathematical apparatus, with challenging yet crucial problem sets that help cement understanding. However, some students note it requires a very strong prior background in mathematics and physics, as the pace can be too fast for true beginners, making it not a 'gentle' introduction.
Focuses heavily on theoretical aspects and mathematical derivations.
"I felt that some topics could have used more practical examples, but the theoretical depth was impressive."
"The explanations are precise, and the examples, though theoretical, are very illustrative."
Problem sets are difficult but highly effective for cementing understanding.
"The problems were tough but fair."
"The assignments really helped cement the concepts."
"The problem sets were challenging but crucial for learning."
"The assignments were well-designed to test understanding."
Provides a deep, mathematically intensive foundation in quantum mechanics.
"This course provided an incredibly clear and rigorous foundation in Quantum Mechanics."
"Good course for understanding the theoretical underpinnings. The content is comprehensive."
"It's rigorous, yes, but that's what's needed for this subject."
"A solid introduction to QM, particularly strong on the mathematical formalism."
Instructor praised for exceptional clarity and ability to explain complex concepts.
"The instructor's explanations were excellent, especially for complex mathematical concepts."
"Absolutely phenomenal course! The way Prof. [Instructor Name] explains quantum phenomena is unmatched."
"The instructor breaks down complex ideas beautifully."
"Explanations are precise, and the examples, though theoretical, are very illustrative."
Requires a strong mathematical and physics background; fast pace challenges beginners.
"It's very math-heavy, so be prepared with a solid linear algebra and calculus background."
"I found it extremely difficult to follow without a very strong prior background in quantum physics. The pace was too fast for me..."
"I struggled immensely with this course... The instructor moved very quickly through derivations, assuming a high level of familiarity."
"It's not a 'gentle' introduction; I had to re-watch lectures multiple times and rely heavily on textbooks."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Quantum Mechanics with these activities:
Connect with Quantum Experts
Expand your network by reaching out to experts in the field of quantum computing to gain insights and guidance.
Browse courses on Quantum Computing
Show steps
  • Attend industry events or conferences to meet professionals in the field.
  • Reach out to researchers or practitioners via LinkedIn or email.
  • Join online communities and forums dedicated to quantum computing.
Re-read High School Level Math
Quantum mechanics has many mathematical concepts that you need to make use of already. This activity helps you revive your understanding of elementary mathematics.
Browse courses on Mathematics
Show steps
  • Review your high school textbooks.
  • Practice on some online quizzes or exercies.
  • Ask for help from any math teachers or peers that you know.
Review Linear Algebra
Review fundamental concepts of linear algebra including vector spaces, matrices, transformations, and eigenvalues to refresh knowledge for this course.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Review notes and textbooks from previous courses on linear algebra.
  • Complete practice problems and exercises to reinforce concepts.
  • Attend a workshop or tutorial on linear algebra to refresh understanding.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Watch Video Lectures on Quantum Mechanics by Leonard Susskind
These video lectures provide a clear and concise overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Visit the website of The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
  • Click on the link to 'Quantum Mechanics'.
  • Watch the video lectures by Leonard Susskind.
Read 'Quantum Mechanics for Mathematicians' by James Glimm and Arthur Jaffe
This book provides a mathematical approach to quantum mechanics that will help you from the mathematics side of the course.
Show steps
  • Read through the book.
  • Work on the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Attend the office hours of the course instructor to ask any questions.
Explore Quantum Computing
Gain a foundational understanding of quantum computing concepts and applications by following guided tutorials and online courses.
Browse courses on Quantum Computing
Show steps
  • Enroll in an introductory course or tutorial on quantum computing.
  • Follow online tutorials and demonstrations to learn about quantum gates, algorithms, and hardware.
  • Experiment with quantum computing simulators to gain hands-on experience.
Solve Quantum Mechanics Problems
Enhance your problem-solving skills in quantum mechanics by practicing a variety of exercises and challenges.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Collect practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous coursework.
  • Attempt to solve the problems independently, referring to course materials for support.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Build a Quantum Circuit Simulator
Deepen your understanding of quantum computing by designing and implementing a simple quantum circuit simulator, enabling you to visualize and explore quantum algorithms.
Browse courses on Quantum Computing
Show steps
  • Learn a programming language suitable for quantum computing, such as Qiskit or Cirq.
  • Design a basic quantum circuit simulator using the chosen programming language.
  • Implement the simulator, including functionality for creating and manipulating quantum circuits.
  • Test and debug the simulator to ensure it accurately simulates quantum circuits.
Build a Model of a Quantum System
Building a model of a quantum system will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the system's behavior.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Choose a quantum system that you are interested in.
  • Research the system and gather information from reliable sources.
  • Build a model of the system using a software program or other tools.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Quantum Mechanics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Quantum Computing Research Scientist
The field of quantum computing is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including healthcare, finance, and materials science. A Quantum Computing Research Scientist researches and develops new algorithms and applications for quantum computers. This course on the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics can provide you with knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the field and prepare you to pursue a career in quantum computing research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Computing Research Scientist
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical physicists develop and test theories about the fundamental nature of the universe.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theoretical Physicist
Quantum Information Scientist
Quantum information scientists work on the development of new quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and quantum cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Information Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials scientists research and develop new materials for various applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist
Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnologists work on the development of new technologies at the nanoscale.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nanotechnologist
Optical Engineer
Optical engineers design and develop optical systems for applications in telecommunications, imaging, and other fields.
See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers design and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design, build, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design, build, and operate machines and other mechanical systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, build, and operate electrical systems, such as power plants, distribution networks, and electronic devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer engineers design and build computer systems and software.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, build, and maintain software applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve business problems and make predictions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate and recommend investments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of Quantum Mechanics.
Cover image
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum mechanics, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Field Quantization
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum mechanics, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Field Quantization
Paperback
Check
Field Quantization
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum information science and technology, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Hardcover
$$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information...
Paperback
$$$$
INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND INFORMATION
Hardcover
$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development (2nd...
Save
Classic textbook on quantum mechanics that provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
QUANTUM MECHANICS: A MODERN DEVELOPMENT (2ND...
Hardcover
$$$$
Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development (2nd...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Mechanics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a strong foundation in the subject.
Quantum Mechanics
Paperback
Check
Quantum Mechanics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Introductory Quantum Optics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum mechanics, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Introductory Quantum Optics
Hardcover
$$$
Introductory Quantum Optics
Kindle Edition
$$$
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Save
Provides a rigorous mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics, making it a valuable resource for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Paperback
Check
Collected Papers Vol.1: Quantum Field Theory and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory
Save
Provides a modern and accessible introduction to quantum mechanics, making it a good choice for students who are interested in learning about the latest developments in the field.
Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory: The...
Paperback
$$
Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to quantum computing, making it a good choice for students who are interested in learning about the latest developments in the field.
Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists
Hardcover
$$$
Quantum Computing for Computer Scientists
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to quantum mechanics, making it a good choice for students who are new to the subject.
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Paperback
$$$
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRODYNAMICS, 4TH EDITION
Paperback
$$
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Kindle Edition
$$$
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Quantum Mechanics
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to quantum mechanics, making it a good choice for students who are new to the subject.
Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications
Paperback
$$
Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications
Paperback
$$$
Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications
Paperback
$$
QUANTUM MECHANICS CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS: AN...
Unknown Binding
$$

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Course image
Effort
Consists of 6 Modules, between 2 and 5 hours of work per module.
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Wounjhang Park
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Quantum Mechanics for Engineers. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Theory of Angular Momentum
  2. Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (viewing)
  3. Approximation Methods
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for undergraduates majoring in electrical engineering
Provides foundational knowledge in quantum mechanics
Covers essential linear algebra for quantum mechanics
Builds a strong foundation for advanced topics in quantum mechanics
Taught by Wounjhang Park, a respected expert in quantum mechanics
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