Lecturers: Prof. Igor Bray (Curtin) and Prof. Jingbo WangThis course deals with the theoretical and computational aspects of particle interactions on the atomic scale. Starting from the understanding of the non-relativistic structure of the hydrogen atom, a formal Quantum Mechanical treatment of collision physics in three dimensions is developed. The course has the formal theory intertwined with computational laboratory work to ensure that the student has both a formal understanding, and the ability to perform calculations yielding results of practical importance. Together, these skills will be of immense value to students interested in theoretical and computational physics and chemistry, as well as engineering. This course consists of two separate modules (3pts each) with emphasis on formal theory and computation, respectively. Students can take both or one of the modules. The first module gives the formal Quantum Mechanical description of collisions in atomic physics, cast in a way suitable for computation. The development is traditional, utilising experimental evidence, but with a modern mathematical description including Dirac notation. The aim of the course is to first provide a general Quantum Mechanical framework, and then to take the student to the current state of research in the area. The second module provides an introduction to the main computational techniques used in solving practical problems in physical sciences. It is designed to help the students learn by doing, thus a significant fraction of the students' time will be spent actually programming specific physical problems. No prior programming experience is assumed. In completing this course, students become accustomed to a modern computer environment of UNIX workstations, have a basic working knowledge of the programming language Fortran90/95, and learn some basic numerical techniques commonly used to solve problems in physics, chemistry, and engineering. |