Physics III: What to Expect

Here is some additional info about the class that should give you some info on what to expect from this class, how to enjoy it and do well, and help you decide whether or not this class is for you.

• The most important thing to be aware of is that this is the first time I've taught this class, and thus I can't state with any certainty how the class will go or what it will be like. This is especially so since this course is a somewhat non-standard bundle of topics. Nevertheless, I'm confident this will be a good class; QM is a great topic, and the readings we'll be doing are very, very good.

• You do not need to have taken Physics I and II here (or anywhere) to take Physics III.

• Falling behind in this course is not a good idea. If you're confused about something, it's very important that you seek help sooner rather than later. I can't offer assistance if I don't know who needs it when. You need to take responsibility to seek help if you need it. On a related note ...

• I do not expect all of the homework assignments to be easy; I don't expect you to be able to sit down and do them easily the first time. Don't let yourself get frustrated -- I strongly suggest working with others and seeking help if you need it.

• The exact syllabus for this class is quite flexible; feedback is encouraged, and will help make the class better.

• You should be aware that this course is quite different than Physics III courses at other colleges and universities.

• You'll probably spend more time reading and thinking, and less time doing HW than you did in Physics I and/or II. This will be especially true during the first part of the course.
• The study of quantum mechanics has a very different feel to it than many other areas of physics. It's weird -- even weirder than special relativity. It's more abstract, not mechanistic (no springs and levers and such), and occasionally invites philosophizing.

What this course is not:

• Many first courses on quantum mechanics emphasize the tremendous applications of quantum mechanics. This is understandable; QM can explain atomic spectra, the specific heat of solids, semi-conductors, molecular bonding, etc. Courses with this emphasis are often titled Modern Physics. Modern Physics is a standard sophomore/junior level course for physics and chemistry majors. This course is not a modern physics course. It instead considers in considerable detail a few very simple QM systems. The goal is to give insight into the structure of the theory of quantum mechanics and make clear those aspects of quantum mechanics that are different than classical mechanics. This course is not unique. A similar, although slightly less mathy, course has been offered for years at Oberlin college. A more advanced version of this course has been offered a few times at Oregon State University. We will be using materials from both of these courses.

• This course is designed to explain what's new and different and strange and unsettling about quantum mechanics. In so doing, we will have considerable opportunity to discuss wave-particle duality, causality, non-locality, and other spooky and/or philosophical things. However, this is not a philosophy course. We will not directly cover such things as quantum healing, quantum psychology, quantum consciousness, etc. Nevertheless, this course should put you in a position to examine these ideas more carefully and thoughtfully. For students who are more interested in the philosophical aspects of QM and less interested in the the mathematical theory, it may be possible to concentrate on this some independently towards the end of the course.

Web page maintained by dave@hornacek.coa.edu.