A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics - Softcover

S. Townsend John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8130913143 ISBN 13: 9788130913148

Publisher: Viva Books, 2010

Synopsis

Inspired by Richard Feynman and J.J. Sakurai, A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics lets professors expose their undergraduates to the excitement and insight of Feynman s approach to quantum mechanics while simultaneously giving them a textbook that is well-ordered, logical, and pedagogically sound. This book covers all the topics that are typically presented in a standard upper- level course in quantum mechanics, but its teaching approach is new: Rather than organizing his book according to the historical development of the field and jumping into a mathematical discussion of wave mechanics, Townsend begins his book with the quantum mechanics of spin. Thus, the first five chapters of the book succeed in laying out the fundamentals of quantum mechanics with little or no wave mechanics, so the physics is not obscured by mathematics. Starting with spin systems gives students something new and interesting while providing elegant but straightforward examples of the essential structure of quantum mechanics. When wave mechanics is introduced later, students perceive it correctly as only one aspect of quantum mechanics and not the core of the subject. Praised for its pedagogical brilliance, clear writing, and careful explanations, this book is destined to become a landmark text.

About this title

Review:

Description: "Townsend is the best book I know for advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics. It is clear, contemporary, and compact. My students used it as a wonderful springboard to graduate school." Ralph D. Amado, University of Pennsylvania --Ralph D. Amado, University of Pennsylvania

The best aspect of this book is its consistently sound pedagogy. The point is that Townsend is not showing off, not being fussy or pedantic. He has recognized a potential confusion and neatly headed it off. The book is full of such smart, sensitive teaching." Richard Hazeltine, University of Texas, Austin --Richard Hazeltine, University of Texas, Austin

"This is an excellent book for a course on advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics. it is refreshing in its approach for both the student and teacher, and it leaves the student well-positioned to continue their training in advanced physics." Randy Hulet, Rice University --Randy Hulet, Rice University

About the Author:

John S. Townsend is the Susan and Bruce Worster Professor of Physics at Harvey Mudd College the science and engineering college of the Claremont Colleges. He has served as the chair of the physics department for two decades. He loves teaching physics, especially quantum physics. He has been a visiting professor at Caltech, the University of Southampton in England, Duke University and Swarthmore College In addition he was a Science Fellow at the Center for International Security and Arms Control at Stanford University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viva Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 8130913143
• ISBN 13: 9788130913148
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 476