S5 Quantum physics and matter
Move from classical to modern physics: relativity, quantum mechanics, advanced electrodynamics, condensed matter and statistical thermodynamics.
Target skills
- Introductory special relativity, atoms and quanta
- Schrödinger equation, angular momentum, approximation methods
- Advanced solutions of Maxwell's equations
- Phases of matter, universal theories, modern topics in condensed matter
- Partition functions and the link between molecular properties and thermodynamics
Semester project
Solve the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation numerically in Python (finite well, harmonic oscillator) by finite differences, and compare the energy levels with theory.
Courses this semester
- 1The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyBeginner
Stated prerequisites: Basic classical physics and calculus (highly recommended)
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Course Level Length Rating (reviews) Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology Beginner 11 h 4.6 (174) Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms Beginner 11 h 4.6 (71) Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity Beginner 7 h 4.8 (34) - 2University of Colorado BoulderIntermediate
Stated prerequisites: Undergraduate calculus, differential equations and linear algebra
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Course Level Length Rating (reviews) Foundations of Quantum Mechanics Intermediate 27 h 4.5 (94) Theory of Angular Momentum Intermediate 13 h 4.0 (20) Approximation Methods Intermediate 14 h 4.4 (14) - 3Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Intermediate
Stated prerequisites: Basic calculus, high school physics and chemistry
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Course Level Length Rating (reviews) Electrodynamics: An Introduction Intermediate 13 h 4.7 (643) Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields Advanced 11 h 4.7 (175) Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields Advanced 12 h 4.8 (236) Electrodynamics: In-depth Solutions for Maxwell's Equations Advanced 19 h 4.8 (129) - 4University of Colorado BoulderBeginner
Stated prerequisites: Newtonian mechanics and algebra; linear algebra and basic calculus helpful
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Course Level Length Rating (reviews) Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond Beginner 13 h 4.8 (11) Universal Theories Beginner 14 h — Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics Beginner 12 h 4.9 (12) - 5University of MinnesotaBeginner
Stated prerequisites: No prior experience required
Reading
Things to watch
- Start with Understanding Modern Physics, the gentlest entry point.
- Electrodynamics (KAIST) is rated Advanced: take it after S3 electromagnetism and vector calculus.
- The Physics of Emergence has only 20 reviews; rely on Tong's notes.
With Coursera Plus
This semester takes 198 hours, about 5 months at 10 hours a week. A Coursera Plus subscription gives access to most of its courses during that time.