Found a great book (series) on Quantum Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a series of books on Quantum Mechanics by Berthold-Georg Englert, with participants sharing their thoughts on the readability and level of the texts, as well as comparing them to other well-known textbooks like Sakurai's. The scope includes conceptual understanding and educational levels of quantum mechanics literature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant praises Englert's books for being easier to read than Schwinger's, highlighting a "spins-first" approach.
  • Another participant questions the educational level of Englert's books, seeking clarification on whether they are suitable for undergraduates.
  • Several participants discuss the classification of Sakurai's textbook as "graduate," with some suggesting it could also serve as an undergraduate resource.
  • One participant mentions that Sakurai's textbook was used in their QM 1 lecture and recommends it for learning quantum theory, noting the necessary prerequisites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the educational level of Englert's books or the classification of Sakurai's textbook. Participants express differing opinions on whether Sakurai's text can be considered suitable for undergraduate courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific prerequisites for learning quantum mechanics, but there is no agreement on the exact educational level of the discussed texts.

smodak
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The books are based on Schwinger's but is much easier read. Uses my favorite spins-first approach.

Lectures On Quantum Mechanics vol. 1, 2, & 3 by Berthold-Georg Englert

https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812569715/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812569731/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812569758/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I did not buy from Amazon though. I purchased these in international edition (printed on really bad quality newsprint in India) from AbeBooks for a much cheaper price. I wish I hadn't though; having such high quality content printed in decently quality paper would have been much better.

If you are buying from Abebooks look for ISBNs
9788175967236
9788175967250
9788175967243
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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What is the level of the books?
 
Why is Sakurai's textbook deemed "graduate"? Is there such thing as an "intermediate" between beginner/undergraduate and advanced/graduate?
 
DrClaude said:
What is the level of the books?
I believe they are at the undergraduate level.
 
dextercioby said:
Why is Sakurai's textbook deemed "graduate"? Is there such thing as an "intermediate" between beginner/undergraduate and advanced/graduate?
Good Question. In my opinion Sakurai could definitely (at least the first half) be used to teach an undergraduate course.
 
dextercioby said:
Why is Sakurai's textbook deemed "graduate"? Is there such thing as an "intermediate" between beginner/undergraduate and advanced/graduate?
Sakurai's textbook is, in my opinion, well suited for the QM 1 lecture (at least we used it in our lecture and we liked it very much at the time). I still recommend it to start learning quantum theory. As prerequisites, I think the standard undergraduate linear-algebra lecture and Analysis I-III are enough.
 

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