Looking for Quantum Mechanics Courses? Any Recommendations?

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The discussion centers around recommendations for self-teaching Quantum Mechanics (QM) for a university student with a background in Physics and Mathematics. Key suggestions include using "Modern Quantum Mechanics" by Sakurai as a primary text, complemented by David J. Griffiths' book, which is noted for its accessibility. Other recommended texts include Shankar and Liboff, with some caution against starting with more advanced materials like Jackson's text in Electromagnetism. Online resources are highlighted, such as MIT's lecture notes and courses from Stanford, particularly David Miller's video course, which is praised for its clarity and structure. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational understanding before tackling more rigorous QM texts, suggesting that while Griffiths is motivational, a deeper engagement with the subject may require more formal texts like Sakurai or Shankar.
FreyaS13
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Hello guys,
I just finish my first year at uni Phys and Maths,and would like to self teach Quantum Mechanics during this summer, as so I was wondering if you guys could suggest me any good full online courses/ lectures available on the web .
I have found
from neptel
from Oxford

Bookwise suggestions are also welcomed ,I am thinking using David J Griffiths and Feynman's VOL.3 .
I mathematical inclined and quickly grasp physical concepts so rigorous texts are warmly welcomed.

During my first year I had Linear ALgebra, calculus, electromagnetism,classical mechanics...

Many thanks in advance
 
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Try Modern Quantum Mechanics by Sakurai. The approach presented by the author in conveying the substance of QM is more formal and standard than Griffith's, although the latter is often easier to grasp thanks to its often hand-waving arguments. I would recommend making Sakurai as your main study book complemented by Griffith. As for online lecture notes, I used to learn from MIT and http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys5250/phys5250_fa14/lecnotes.html.
 
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blue_leaf77 said:
Try Modern Quantum Mechanics by Sakurai. The approach presented by the author in conveying the substance of QM is more formal and standard than Griffith's, although the latter is often easier to grasp thanks to its often hand-waving arguments. I would recommend making Sakurai as your main study book complemented by Griffith. As for online lecture notes, I used to learn from MIT and http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys5250/phys5250_fa14/lecnotes.html.

Wait, is this wise for someone just starting out to learn QM? That's like recommending Jackson's text for someone starting to learn E&M.

To the OP: Stick with Griffith. If you want to supplement it, try Shankar or even Liboff. And if you do not mind a "wordy" text, then go to Shiff.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Wait, is this wise for someone just starting out to learn QM? That's like recommending Jackson's text for someone starting to learn E&M.
I hope you didn't mistaken it with Sakurai's Advanced Quantum Mechanics. The OP said he has learned linear algebra, calculus, and electromagnetism and also does not mind rigorous text. Along with the inherent postulates of QM which are introduced along the way in Sakurai, I believe these backgrounds can still guide the OP through the book although probably the road is rather rough in the beginning. The good side of Griffith's books (not only his QM book) is that they present the subject matter in an easily attractive way, but on that purpose sometimes obscure the underlying fundamentals. It's good for motivating a beginner indeed, but sticking solely with this book is not a wise idea, especially for those who want to be serious in QM. I forgot Shankar, it's still better than Griffith IMO, so a combination between them is also good.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Wait, is this wise for someone just starting out to learn QM? That's like recommending Jackson's text for someone starting to learn E&M.

To the OP: Stick with Griffith. If you want to supplement it, try Shankar or even Liboff. And if you do not mind a "wordy" text, then go to Shiff.

Zz.
Agreed, the only change I'd make is don't use Griffiths... Neither of Sakaurai's texts are for someone who hasn't had a good course in introductory QM.
 
Balakrishnan is a very good teacher (I did not look into his course in QM, though).
I did not like first lectures of J.Binney and I abandoned his course.

I can definitely recommend a video-course of David Miller at https://lagunita.stanford.edu/courses/Engineering/QMSE01./Autumn2015/about
There exists also a second part of it at https://lagunita.stanford.edu/courses/Engineering/QMSE02./Winter2016/about
Each part is supposed to take 2-3 months of work. I took both these parts and IMO this is the best QM video-course available, if you are looking for something to start with. (You will need to register at the site before you can enroll and access the course).

I also liked MIT 8.04 introductory level course http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-04-quantum-physics-i-spring-2013/lecture-videos/ which might be somewhere easier and nicer investment of your time during the summer.
 
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