Overwhelmed Student Struggling to Pass Quantum Mechanics

[Fjolvar]

Hello.. I'm taking my first Quantum Mechanics class and I've already failed my first exam (20%) although the class average was about 40%, I feel that I may fail this semester which would set my graduation date back a year, ruin my gpa, and my chances of getting into a grad school I've picked out. I really enjoy the theory behind Quantum but I am lost by some of the math. The professor will go through the material very fast and do math techniques I cannot follow. I have another exam in about 10 days, but I feel like that won't be enough time to learn the material. I feel overwhelmed and I'm not really sure where to start since there is so much to learn. I did really well in my math courses receiving A's in my Calc classes and differential equations but I never took a Linear Algebra course specifically which may be part of the reason. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks.

 

[micromass]

I never took a Linear Algebra course

I don't know much about QM, but I think it uses linear algebra and functional analysis very intensively. So the fact that you never took linear algebra, may account for the fact that you're not succeeding.

In my opinion, you got two options:
- continue with QM, and study hard to learn the linear algebra and functional analysis that you need. This will probably be quite heavy.
- drop the course, take the necessary linear algebra and functional analysis courses and take the course again next year. If you do well in the course next year, then I'm sure the grad schools will understand and they won't make a very big deal about it. But you will be losing a year...

 

[dacruick]

I was in the exact same position. The prof was this German guy with a really thick accent. He went through the math at light speed, assigned no textbook, and had illegible writing. I went into a 45% final with an 83% and came out with a 59% in the course, my lowest mark ever, by far. I think I got 6% on the final exam...

I felt helpless. It seemed that no matter how much time I wanted to spend learning concepts, that I was ill equipped. I have no real advice for you, but I've been there done that.

 

[twofish-quant]

Hello.. I'm taking my first Quantum Mechanics class and I've already failed my first exam (20%) although the class average was about 40%, I feel that I may fail this semester which would set my graduation date back a year, ruin my gpa, and my chances of getting into a grad school I've picked out.

Two words. "Damage control."

If you can drop the class now, consider doing it.

If you can't then do as well as you can, and don't dwell on the past. If it looks like you are going to fail the class, then try for a D. If it looks like you are going to get a D, then put your effort into getting a C. The important thing is that if you mess up, you accept that you've messed up, and try to do the best with what you have. The problem is that if you dwell on how badly you did, then its going to make your performance worse than if you just let it slide and try to do the best with what you have.

I feel overwhelmed and I'm not really sure where to start since there is so much to learn. I did really well in my math courses receiving A's in my Calc classes and differential equations but I never took a Linear Algebra course specifically which may be part of the reason. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks.

Calm down, and get really familiar with the drop deadlines or rules on taking courses pass-fail. If you can drop the course or take the course pass-fail, consider doing it. If you can't drop the course, then absorb as much material as you can, and make the best of the situation, and if you fail the course, you'll should do better the next time.

 

[romsofia]

but I never took a Linear Algebra course.

That's where your problem lies! Quantum mechanics relies on the use of eigenspace and eigenfunctions which is taught in Linear Algebra. While some calculus is used in QM, Linear Algebra pops up more often.

 

[Fjolvar]

Just wanted to follow up with this.. I ended up with a C+, my only C grade :( But I am relieved I didn't end up with a D or worse.

 

[Angry Citizen]

Congratulations! Could've been worse - could've been a C- :) I think you did very well, all things considered. It'd be like me taking my diff EQ's class without knowing how to calculate sequences and series.