MEEM 6990 – Special Topics: Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
Department of Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics
Michigan Technological University
  Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Gregory M. Odegard
Office: MEEM 810
Phone: (906)487-2329
Email: gmodegar@mtu.edu
Classroom: MEEM 402
Time: M, W, F 2:05-2:55 pm

Description:
The course covers the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, including the Schrodinger Equation, Uncertainty Principle, wave functions, linear algebra in n-dimensional space, and Dirac notation. These principles are applied to analyze the hydrogen atom, multi-particle atoms, solids, and molecular bonding. This course is intended to prepare students to conduct research in advanced materials development.

Prerequisite courses:

MEEM 5110 - Continuum Mechanics/Elasticity

Required text:
D.J. Griffiths “Introduction to Quantum Mechanics”, Second Edition, Pearson, 2005
Other texts used for lectures
D.T. Gillespie "A Quantum Mechanics Primer: An Elementary Introduction to the Formal Theory of Non-relitavistic Quantum Mechanics", International Textbook Company Limited, 1973 (This book is out of print, and I have recieved permission from the author to provide the students with photocopies, which are avaialbe on Canvas)

R.L. Liboff "Introductory Quantum Mechanics", Fourth Edition, Addison Wesley, 2003

L. Pauling and E.B. Wilson "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: With Applications to Chemistry", Dover, 1985

D.F. Shriver, P. Atkins, C.H. Langford "Inorganic Chemistry", Second Edition, Freeman, 1994

Assignments:

No late assignments will be accepted.  Students are encouraged to work with others to complete homework assignments, however, all work turned in must be original, not a simple copy of someone else’s work.  Such copying with be considered as a breach of academic honesty and appropriate action will be taken. Assignments can be uploaded to Canvas.  For each problem, the following items are required for full credit:

Grading:
100% of the course credit can be earned through the assignments. Final grades will be based on the the students' scores relative to the average scores of the top members of the class.  Therefore, class performance plays a role in determining the final grade and the number of students who can earn each grade is not limited.  Letter grades: A (100% to 90%), AB (<90% to 88%), B (<88% to 80%), BC (<80% to 78%), C (<78% to 70%), CD (<70% to 68%), D (<68% to 60%)

Course Topics:

  1. Schrodinger Equation, Uncertainty Principle
  2. Wave functions for infinite square well, harmonic oscillator, free particle
  3. Linear algebra for n-dimensional space
  4. Hydrogen atom
  5. Multi-particle atoms
  6. Solids
  7. Molecular bonding

University policies:
University policies for academic integrity; assessment; disability services; institutional equity; veterans and active duty military personnel; and equal opportunity, discrimination, and harassment can be found at http://www.mtu.edu/ctl/instructional-resources/syllabus/syllabus_policies.html