PHYS 485 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course Description

About the Course

Physics 485 explores the basic concepts of the celebrated quantum theory which underlies our modern understanding of the physical world and of the properties of materials. It is geared towards obtaining a somewhat rigorous working knowledge of the fundamentals as well as steeping in its many fascinating aspects and applications. Topics include foundations; light and matter; applications of Schrodinger's equation; quantum well, tunneling and STMs; Structure of atoms; MRI and Quantum Computation; Electrical properties of materials, Bose-Einstein condensation, lasers, and superconductivity. Prerequisites for the course are MATH285 and PHYS214, or equivalent.

Team
Instructor: Prof. Smitha Vishveshwara--smivish@illinois.edu
Teaching Assistants:
Kort Beck--kgr6@illinois.edu
Zihan Li-- zihanli6@illinois.edu
If you would like to meet us, you can do so during our office hours and also meet the instructor briefly after classes.

Office Hours: TBD

Course Components

Lectures: This semester, we are optimistic that we have reached a new phase in the post-pandemic world and can sustain in-person classes, held in Loomis 158.
If a situation arises, we will be following any protocols dictated by the university. While masks are currently not mandated, we request that you respect personal preferences and also be mindful of your fellow students if you are experiencing symptoms of falling sick.

Let us together strive to make this as fullfilling an experience for all of us. One way would be to take an active interest in the subject matter. Be present as you can, learn, participate, ask questions in class and in office hours. If you manage to nucleate discussion or study groups, even better.

Assignments will be submitted through Gradescope. See the Required Materials and Assignments links for the exact details. The assignments and the grading breakdown are below.

Course Grading

Homework: 50%
Participation Questions: 15%
Midterm: 15%
Final exam: 20%

Likely Grade Breakdown:
For a total of 1000 points: A+ 1000 – 950; A 949.9-911; A- 910.9–880; B+ 879.9-850; B 849.9-820; B- 819.9-800; C+ 799.9-740; C 735.9-710; C- 709.9-680; D+ 679.9-640; D 639.99-600; D- 599.99-400; F 399.99-0

Equation Sheet:

Link