Quantum Learning Quantum Mechanics with Great Courses Plus

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The discussion highlights the positive experience of users with The Great Courses Plus, particularly the course "Understanding The Quantum World" by Professor Erica Carlson. Participants appreciate the course's clarity and its ability to debunk common myths about quantum mechanics, such as misconceptions surrounding Einstein's views on probability. The platform offers a wide range of subjects, including science, math, and literature, typically at a first or second-year university level. Subscription options include a monthly plan at $25 or a quarterly plan at $18.65 per month. The resource is recommended for homeschooling families and those looking to deepen their understanding of various topics. Several users express interest in exploring the platform further after learning about it in the thread.
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Hi All

I recently joined up to the Great Courses plus:
https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/home

Mostly I do the courses on stuff I do not already feel I know reasonably well like history, philosophy, George Orwell etc. But just for the heck of it I started doing the course on Understanding The Quantum World by Professor Erica Carlson from Purdue University, who researches electronic phase transitions in quantum materials.

I was shocked how good it is. It hasn't much math, yet anyway, but already she has dispelled many common myths such that Einstein rejected probability in QM, which while a very common myth is of course not true - he accepted it eventually, but believing it incomplete and a deeper theory will explain it. There are other issues I will not mention because they are contentious with some experts here - but I agree with her view as people probably guess from my post here.

So just a post to let people know I think it's an excellent resource for people to start learning various areas, including QM, from well qualified experts.

Here is a bit of the flavour of the course:
https://nanohub.org/resources/22400

Thanks
Bill
 
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I've done a few of their courses (The Great Courses) and have (mostly) been impressed. I recall taking Ben Schumacher's Quantum course (some years back, when I should have been working) and thinking it was better than expected from a "pop" science course.
 
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bhobba said:
the Great Courses plus
I scanned through the linked site looking for how much the subscription costs but I couldn't find it. How much do they charge?
 
I signed out. Then on the site you get the option of start free trial:
https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/home

Two options - a monthly or quarterly plan at $25.00 or $18.65 pm respectively.

Remember it covers many topics not just science but math, literature - all sorts of stuff. I would put its usual level at about first/second year university level in the US system, upper HS/first year university in the Australian system. If you home school your kids it is a must have resource IMHO because it also has a program for young learners. Here in Aus get them to do a few subjects and two courses at the credit level from the University of Open Learning, which you can cover before undertaking the course, hence making it easier when they do the course, and you are automatically into some universities to do a bachelor of arts eg
https://www.mq.edu.au/study/other-study-options/open-universities-australia

But once you complete one semester they then have a program where, providing your results are good enough, you can transfer to anything.

Thanks
Bill
 
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I had never actually heard of this website before reading this thread. After browsing around on it for a bit I decided to sign up for the free trial. Thanks for sharing!
 
Many years ago, as the internet was coming of age, I burned over 500 pounds of technical manuals. I realized I can look things up on the internet faster than I can find something in a technical manual. And just about anything I might need could be found online. But letting go of my several shelves worth of college text and other science books is another matter. I can't bring myself to get rid of them but there is very little if anything I can't find online now. Books are heavy and a pain...

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