Quantum Mechanics for the Myriad

Quantum Mechanics for the Myriad is a Natural Science class taught by Herbert J. Bernstein.

Course Description
This course will investigate the structure of a powerful intellectual influence of our times: modern theoretical physics. Using two-state systems including electron spin and photon polarization, we develop the actual quantum theory in its matrix mechanics form. This theory underlies our current understanding of atoms, particles, and virtually all physical processes: it is fundamental to Quantum Teleportation, Computation & Information AND has important philosophical consequences as well. Quantum mechanics underlies all chemistry and molecular processes, including biology. The course has three themes: quantitative approximations to interesting phenomena; formal use of mathematics to describe observations; the philosophical and cultural significance of interpretations of physical theory. Students contact course material in ways parallel to physicians approaching nature. How to formulate questions, including how to make them into solvable puzzles, how to work cooperatively - utilizing both learned and created concepts, and how to master formal reasoning are all learned by experience. Students will be expected to attend an additional 1.5 hours "lab" time TBA at the first class meeting.

Learning Goals

 * Quantitative

Student Responses
Click on the links below to enter your response to the respective question.
 * What is Science?
 * What is Physics?