The quantum mechanics lectures have been divided into 17 modules, listed below, each with a title and a brief description of its content. It is recommended that these be viewed in the order listed, as each module builds on concepts introduced in previous modules. Clicking on the titles below will reveal an active link to the recorded lecture segment that includes a list of key learning outcomes.

QM-1	Experimental Introduction to Quantum Mechanics A discussion of the surprising results of the single slit and double slit experiments.		QM-10	Stability of the Atom A discussion of how the zero point energy of atoms is what makes possible their existence in our universe – atoms are purely quantum mechanical objects.
QM-2	The de Broglie Relationship Making the connection between particle probability patterns and wave intensity patterns, leading to the famous de Broglie relationship.		QM-11	De Broglie Waves Are Complex The de Broglie waves we have been using thus far were assumed to be real functions; we discuss why this is wrong and how to fix the problem.
QM-3	Particle in a Box Using the de Broglie relation as our foundation for understanding the quirky quantum behaviour of particles.		QM-12	How Atoms Emit and Absorb Photons We go way beyond the Bohr model of the atom to learn exactly how atoms make transitions between energy levels – the physical mechanism of photon emission and absorption.
QM-4	OR vs. AND Highlighting the essential difference between the classical and quantum worlds.		QM-13	Schrodinger Wave Equation A “derivation” of the Schrodinger wave equation based on simple calculus.
QM-5	The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle A discussion of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle as another way to understand quantum weirdness.		QM-14	The Physics of Electron Spin An experimental introduction to electron spin.
QM-6	The Strong and Weak Interpretations of Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle A more in depth discussion of what the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is trying to tell us about the nature of reality.		QM-15	The Mathematics of Electron Spin Development of a successful mathematical model of spin.
QM-7	The Quantum Harmonic Oscillator Taking our intuitive understanding of the quantum world gained by studying a particle in a one-dimensional box, we generalize to understand a quantum harmonic oscillator.		QM-16	The Quantum Nature of the Electron:  Superposition and Entanglement A demonstration of electron superposition using an electron diffraction apparatus, plus an introduction to quantum entanglement.
QM-8	What is a Photon? By applying our understanding of the quantum harmonic oscillator to the electromagnetic field we learn what a photon is, and are introduced to “quantum field theory” and the amazing “Casimir effect.”		QM-17	Quantum Teleportation – A Love Story Quantum teleportation as a fascinating application of quantum entanglement.
QM-9	Zero Point Energy Understanding the zero point energy of the quantum harmonic oscillator as a consequence of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

 

This sequence of lectures takes us on a journey in which we discover the main ideas of quantum mechanics. We begin by confronting some startling experimental evidence. As we struggle to make sense of it, new "rules of the game" emerge. By applying these new rules in increasingly richer contexts we construct ever deeper insights into how the world of atoms and subatomic particles actually works. With surprisingly little mathematics, our intuitive understanding takes us well beyond the traditional Bohr model of the atom to see, first of all, how it is even possible for atoms to exist in our universe; then to learn what photons are; and finally, to understand how atoms actually emit and absorb photons. We even touch on the mysterious nature of the purely quantum mechanical "spin" of the electron, and learn about the "spooky" phenomenon of quantum entanglement and its application to quantum teleportation.

Richard Epp has a Masters degree in electrical engineering and a PhD degree in theoretical physics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and has held postdoctoral research positions around the world working in general relativity: Einstein's theory of space, time and gravity. With both an engineering and a theoretical physics background, Dr. Epp is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the entire spectrum of physics, from curiosity-driven research in quantum gravity to the applied physics of how a cell phone works. He has extensive outreach experience, having originated many of PI's outreach initiatives - including the ISSYP - and immensely enjoys introducing people of all ages to the mysteries and wonders of our amazing universe