PHYS 405
Fundamentals of Quantum Theory I
Fall 2026 Syllabus

Instructor: Carlo Segre segre [at] illinoistech.edu
Office: 166D/172 Pritzker Science Center 312.567.3498
Office hours:   TR 11:25-12:40 or by appointment
Schedule: Posted at http://phys.iit.edu/~segre/phys405/26F/schedule.html
Meetings: Tuesday & Thursday 13:50-15:05
Room 108 Perlstein Hall & online
URL: http://phys.iit.edu/~segre/phys405/26F/
Textbook: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Third Edition, David J. Griffiths & Darrel Schroeter, (Cambridge University Press 2018).
Resources: Quantum Applets
Mathematica: To request a download and get started using Mathematica:
  1. Log into the myIIT portal (http://my.iit.edu)
  2. Select the Training and Support tab
  3. In the Office of Technology Services channel, in the center of the screen, click the link: "NEW! Get Mathematica Software".
Objectives:
  1. Clearly describe the interpretation of the Schrödinger equation and the purpose of the wave function.
  2. Apply the Schrödinger equation to solve time-independent, one-dimensional quantum mechanics problems.
  3. Apply formal quantum mechanics concepts to solve eigenvalue equations.
  4. Describe the solution of three dimensional potentials, particularly those which are spherically symmetric.
  5. Solve individual parts of the three dimensional spherically symmetric potentials, including separation of variables.
  6. Accurately describe the periodic table using quantum mechanics
  7. Apply the concept of spin to solve problem of identical particles.
Material:
  • The wave function
    • Schrodinger equation
    • statistical interpretation
    • probability and normalization
    • the uncertainty principle
  • Time-independent Schrodinger equation
    • stationary states
    • infinite and finite square wells
    • harmonic oscillator
    • free particles and delta function barrier
  • Quantum formalism
    • Hilbert space
    • observables
    • Hemitian operators and their eigenfunctions
    • Dirac notation
  • Three dimensional quantum mechanics
    • solution in spherical coordinates
    • hydrogen atom
    • angular momentum and spin
  • Identical particles
    • two particle systems
    • atoms and solids
  • Other topics as appropriate
Homework:      Homework will be assigned weekly or bi-weekly, due as shown on the schedule. All homework assignments will be collected except as announced. Homework will be due at the beginning of the class period, prior to the start of the lecture unless otherwise stated. No late homework assignments will be accepted unless prior arrangements are made.
Exams:      There will be three examinations: two midterms and one final examination. Policies for the examinations will be set as the semester progresses.
Grading:      The percentage weighting for each component are shown below. The final letter grades will be awarded on a scale as shown below. This scale may vary up or down slightly, depending on the difficulty of the examinations.
Homework 15%
Midterm Exam 1 25%
Midterm Exam 2 25%
Final Exam 35%
Max % Grade Min %
100 A 88
88 B 75
75 C 62
62 D 50
50 E 0
Class Climate: I strive to provide a climate in which each student feels welcome and free to question, contributes to the discussion, thrives and learns independent of their background. I expect students to contribute actively to this learning environment through open and respectful verbal and written communication with me and the other students.
Discrimination or harassment of any form will not be tolerated
I welcome any and all suggestions for improving your learning environment this semester. Feel free to send me a short e-mail if you wish to be called by a name different than that on the official roster. I prefer to be addressed as either Dr. or Prof. Segre.
For online Office Hours or any other kind of online meeting I expect that we will both have our video on.
Illinois Tech's Sexual Harassment Policy:
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  • Illinois Tech encourages anyone experiencing sexual harassment or sexual misconduct to speak with the Office of Title IX Compliance for information on support options and the resolution process.
  • You can report sexual harassment electronically at iit.edu/incidentreport, which may be completed anonymously. You may additionally report by contacting the Title IX Coordinator, Virginia Foster at foster_at_iit.edu or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator at eespeland_at_iit.edu.
  • For confidential support, you may reach Illinois Tech's Confidential Advisor at +1.773.907.1062. You can also contact a licensed practitioner in Illinois Tech's Student Health and Wellness Center at student.health@iit.edu or +1.312.567.7550.
  • For a comprehensive list of resources regarding counseling services, medical assistance, legal assistance and visa and immigration services, you can visit the Office of Title IX Compliance website at iit.edu/title-ix/resources.
Academic Honesty Policy:
  • All students are expected to adhere to the IIT Code of Academic Honesty.
  • The first violation will result in a grade of "zero" for that assignment (exam or quiz). Subsequent violations will result in a failing grade in the course.
  • All violations will be reported to academichonesty@iit.edu.
  • Use of cell phones or electronic devices during exams is prohibited.
Accomodation for Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with documented disabilities. In order to receive accommodations, students must obtain a letter of accommodation from the Center for Disability Resources in 3424 S. State Street, Suite 1C3-2, 312-567-5744 or disabilities@illinoistech.edu.
Important Dates:
  • Aug 25 - Last Day to Add Courses, Change Sections, etc.
  • Nov 02 - Last Day for Official Withdrawal
  • Dec ?? - Final Examination