Students

PHYS3140 – Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Optics

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Alexei Gilchrist
alexei.gilchrist@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
12 WW 4.34
Christina Giarmatzi
christina.giarmatzi@mq.edu.au
Contact via email
12 WW
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
PHYS2030
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Quantum mechanics is fundamental to modern physics. While its consequences are most readily seen in the microscopic world of elementary particles, atoms and molecules; quantum mechanics provides rules that apply to all physical phenomena: the universe as a whole is governed by its laws. This unit looks at quantum mechanics from a foundational perspective. After introducing the postulates of quantum theory, we consider the basic mathematical structures including Hilbert Space, the Dirac notation, linear operators, spectral theory and measurements. Tools for the description of multiple systems and statistical combinations of systems are introduced allowing the exploration of entanglement - arguably the most dramatic departure from classical physics. In the second half of the unit Quantum Optics is introduced, which has widespread applications and has played a central role in testing quantum mechanics and exploring its meaning. In this section we cover quantization of the optical field, introduce coherent states and describe the physics behind the quantum interaction of light and atoms.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: describe and apply the Hilbert space formalism of quantum mechanics.
  • ULO2: model the combination and removal of physical systems.
  • ULO3: use density operators to describe the statistical properties of quantum mechanics.
  • ULO4: explain how measurements are described and used in quantum mechanics.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you need to:

  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments

Attendance and participation

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, assignments, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration: https://connect.mq.edu.au

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted:

  • Review portfolio – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • Viva & Final exam - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Written Assessments/Quizzes/Tests: If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the written assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Review portfolio 25% No 12/09/2025
Viva 25% No Week 12 and 13
Final exam 50% No S2 Examination Period

Review portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 12/09/2025
Weighting: 25%

 

You will create a portfolio consisting of your solutions to a set of problems along with the feedback you provide to and receive from peers. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • describe and apply the Hilbert space formalism of quantum mechanics.
  • model the combination and removal of physical systems.
  • use density operators to describe the statistical properties of quantum mechanics.
  • explain how measurements are described and used in quantum mechanics.

Viva

Assessment Type 1: Viva/oral examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12 and 13
Weighting: 25%

 

You will sit a viva/oral exam covering material in second half of unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • describe and apply the Hilbert space formalism of quantum mechanics.
  • model the combination and removal of physical systems.
  • use density operators to describe the statistical properties of quantum mechanics.
  • explain how measurements are described and used in quantum mechanics.

Final exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 21 hours
Due: S2 Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

 

You will sit a written exam covering the material for the whole unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • describe and apply the Hilbert space formalism of quantum mechanics.
  • model the combination and removal of physical systems.
  • use density operators to describe the statistical properties of quantum mechanics.
  • explain how measurements are described and used in quantum mechanics.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

There are four hours of classes per week, The timetable for classes can be found on the University website at: https://publish.mq.edu.au/.

Suggested Textbooks

Material and notes will provided. Suggested textbooks for supplementary study will be suggested in class and class notes.

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to your lecturers from your university email address.

Unit Schedule

Weeks 1-7 Quantum Theory (Alexei Gilchrist)
Weeks 8-13 Quantum Optics (Christina Giarmatzi)

Detailed breakdown of topics covered each week will be available in class resources.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

To enable students more time to focus on learning, understanding and reflecting on the content of our unit we have revised the assessment structure as follows. There are now only three assessments: a Review portfolio, a Viva, and a final exam. Although no marks are associated with attendance, all activities provide you with key content designed to help you understand content and complete the assessments.

Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook