Prospectus

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Building Blocks of Quantum Matter

Course
2024-2025

Admission Requirements

Prior knowlegde of Analyse 1 (NA), Lineaire Algebra 2 (NA), Quantum Mechanics 1, Quantum Mechanics 2 and Introduction Moderne Natuurkunde.

Description

Spectra of atoms and molecules are an important source of information for many physical systems and processes: abundances in stars, velocities of stars and galaxies and experimental verification of chemical reactions, to name just a few. In this course we focus on the structure of atoms and simple molecules. We have to go well beyond what was taught in quantum mechanics courses about the energy level structure of the Hydrogen atom. Besides Hydrogen, we will consider Hydrogen-like systems, Helium, and many-electron atoms in general. The description of the latter necessitates the use of approximation schemes. In the last part of the course, symmetry will play an important role to describe molecular structure.

Course objectives

After completion of this course, you will be able to apply the rules of quantum mechanics to the structure and spectroscopy of atoms and simple molecules. With that knowledge you'll be able to critically analyse research papers involving spectroscopic data, explain to a considerable degree the structure of the periodic table, and qualitatively describe the spectroscopic behavior of simple molecules.

Transferable Skills

By following this course you get a sense of how to make simplifying assumptions in complex problems and the use of hierarchy of energy and time scales.

Timetable

Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace

In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.

Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.

Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.

Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.

Mode of instruction

See Brightspace

Assessment method

Exam.

Reading list

B. Bransden & C. Joachain: Physics of Atoms and Molecules (2nd Edition), Addison-Wesley, publisher

Other reading material, in the form of a syllabus, will be provided as the course develops.

Registration

As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.

In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.

There are two enrolment periods per year:

  • Enrolment for the fall opens in July

  • Enrolment for the spring opens in December

See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.

Note:

  • It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.

  • Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.

  • Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.

Contact

Contact details lecturer: Prof.dr. M.A.G.J. Orrit

Remarks

Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.