Is Griffiths a Good Choice for Advancing in Quantum Mechanics Self-Study?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on self-study resources for quantum mechanics after completing an undergraduate course. Participants suggest that quantum field theory (QFT) or relativistic quantum mechanics are logical next steps. Recommended textbooks include Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics," which is used in graduate courses, and Merzbacher's "Quantum Mechanics," noted for its comprehensive coverage of advanced topics. Griffiths and Bransden & Joachain's texts are also mentioned favorably, particularly for their clarity and readability. Some users express a preference for G. Baym's "Lectures on QM" for its approachable presentation. Concerns about the complexity of Merzbacher and Schiff are noted, with some finding them less accessible. The discussion also touches on the value of supplementary texts and warns against using Mandl's book. Overall, participants emphasize the importance of selecting texts that enhance understanding of advanced quantum mechanics concepts, including scattering theory and second quantization.
eep
Messages
225
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I'm getting to the end of my final undergraduate course on quantum mechanics, which basically covered time dependent/independent perturbation theory and the fine structure of atoms. As I still have some time until graduate school, I'd like to continue studying quantum mechanics on my own and I'm not quite sure what's next. I'm guessing quantum field theory or relativistic quantum mechanics is the "next step" and I was wondering what textbooks would be recommended for self-study. The graduate courses use Sakurai's Modern Quantum Mechanics for the first semester, which seems to be the same material covered in my undergrad courses, but probably at a more advanced level, and then Merzbacher's Quantum Mechanics and some other books for reference for the second semester, which looks like it covers creation/annihilation operators and relativistic quantum mechanics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What textbook did you use? Why not cover the stuff (I'm guessing is) in the rest of the book, like scattering theory. You need to know stuff like cross-section for QFT.
 
Well we're finishing up the semester with scattering theory and superconductivity. We used a combination of Griffiths, and Bransden and Joachain's Quantum Mechanics. B&J seems to cover some of the topics I mentioned - maybe I'll just work through that.
 
Merzbacher is a standard, well-respected text, but I never found it easy to learn from. I much preferred G. Baym, Lectures on QM, for readability and for a nice way of presenting concepts. Schiff is another standard text, some complain it's too mathematical but the sections I've read have been clear and readable. Maybe it's because I've used it as a supplement rather than primary text. All three will take you through grad level QM.
 
by the way, there is a book "Advanced Quantum Mechanics" from Sakurai (not Modern QM). does anyone has experience with it?
 
Dont get Mandl ! Terrible

Is Griffiths good?
 

Similar threads

Is "Quantum Mechanics Demystified" a good book for a beginner?
Replies
4
Views
4K
Quantum Better advanced Quantum Mechanics book than Sakurai?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Quantum Finding the Perfect Self-Study Book for Intro Stats & Quantum Mechanics
Replies
17
Views
3K
Quantum Quantum mechanics textbook for 2nd year student
Replies
11
Views
4K
Quantum Quantum Textbook For Density Matrix, Pure & Mixed States, +more
Replies
2
Views
3K
Quantum Introductory quantum mechanics textbook for self-study
Replies
13
Views
4K
Quantum Intro to Quantum Electrodynamics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Quantum Quantum information recommendation
Replies
2
Views
2K
Classical A relearning experience - self study edition
Replies
16
Views
5K
Quantum Advanced quantum mechanics book - toward QFT
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top