Course Proposals

Course Name:  Advanced Quantum Mechanics 
Course Prefix: PHYS
Course Number: 4620
             Submitted by (Name & E-Mail):  Daniel Schroeder, dschroeder@weber.edu

Current Date:  10/11/2011
College: Science
Department:   Physics                              
From Term: Fall  2012 

Substantive

change 

Current Course Subject PHYS
Current Course Number 4620

Approximation methods, multi-electron atoms, atomic radiation, nuclear models, nuclear decay, fission and fusion, nuclear forces, elementary particles, quark model, strong and electroweak interactions, unified field theories. Prerequisite: PHYS 4610.

New/Revised Course Information:

Subject:  PHYS            

Course Number: 4620

 Check all that apply:
    This is for courses already approved for gen ed.
    Use a different form for proposing a new gen ed designation.
DV  CA  HU  LS  PS  SS 
EN  AI  QL  TA  TB  TC  TD  TE

Course Title: Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Abbreviated Course Title: Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Course Type:  LEC

Credit Hours:  3  or if variable hours:    to

Contact Hours: Lecture 3  Lab    Other

Repeat Information:  Limit 0   Max Hrs 0 

Grading Mode:  standard

This course is/will be: a required course in a major program
a required course in a minor program
a required course in a 1- or 2- year program
elective

Prerequisites/Co-requisites:

PHYS 4610

Course description (exactly as it will appear in the catalog, including prerequisites):

Approximation methods and other selected topics in pure and applied quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: Physics 4610.

Justification for the new course or for changes to an existing course. (Note: Justification should emphasize academic rationale for the change or new course. This is particularly important for courses requesting upper-division status.)

The Physics Department is proposing to split the existing 4620 course into two courses: a nuclear and particle physics course at the (more appropriate) 3000 level, and a more extensive course in advanced quantum mechanics under the old number, 4620. This course would build on our Quantum Mechanics course (4610) by developing a variety of approximation methods and applying these to such systems as atoms, molecules, and solids. It would also allow the class to cover additional topics of current interest, such as entangled spin systems and quantum computing.

INFORMATION PAGE
for substantive proposals only

1. Did this course receive unanimous approval within the Department?

true

If not, what are the major concerns raised by the opponents?

2. If this is a new course proposal, could you achieve the desired results by revising an existing course within your department or by requiring an existing course in another department?

N.A.

3. How will the proposed course differ from similar offerings by other departments? Comment on any subject overlap between this course and topics generally taught by other departments, even if no similar courses are currently offered by the other departments. Explain any effects that this proposal will have on program requirements or enrollments in other department. Please forward letters (email communication is sufficient) from all departments that you have identified above stating their support or opposition to the proposed course.

N.A.

4. Is this course required for certification/accreditation of a program?

no

If so, a statement to that effect should appear in the justification and supporting documents should accompany this form.

5. For course proposals, e-mail a syllabus to Faculty Senate which should be sufficiently detailed that the committees can determine that the course is at the appropriate level and matches the description. There should be an indication of the amount and type of outside activity required in the course (projects, research papers, homework, etc.).