Studying Trying to learn quantum physics on my own

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To learn quantum physics effectively during a gap year, it's crucial to establish a solid mathematical foundation, as undergraduate-level quantum mechanics requires advanced math skills. Recommended resources include Feynman's lecture series, particularly Volume 3, which covers probabilities and probability amplitudes in detail. Eugene Khutoryansky's YouTube videos are also beneficial for grasping basic concepts like spin and wavefunctions. For a more in-depth understanding, Griffith's textbook is highly recommended, along with MIT OpenCourseWare lecture notes. The learner's ultimate goal—whether to gain a superficial understanding or to achieve expertise comparable to a physics major—will significantly influence the approach taken. Building math skills in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus is essential for a deeper comprehension of quantum mechanics.
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I am a UK A levels ( high school) graduate and on my gap year I want to learn quantum physics on my own and I really want to understand it properly. What are the best resources and approach to learn it should I watch Feynman lecture series or any playlist in YouTube? Are there any books for high school graduates like me?
 
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Would really recommend to develop an intuitive understanding of probabilities and probability amplitudes. Feynaman's lectures Vol 3 chapter one and two deal with this in great detail. Also Physics videos by Eugene khutoryansky on youtube will help you understand a lot of basic quantum topics like spin and wavefunctions. If you are really serious about getting into quantum mechanics with solving problems get yourself a Griffith's textbook and MIT OCW lecture notes are a gold mine of information on the topic.
 
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mrhxszp said:
I am a UK A levels ( high school) graduate and on my gap year I want to learn quantum physics on my own and I really want to understand it properly. What are the best resources and approach to learn it should I watch Feynman lecture series or any playlist in YouTube? Are there any books for high school graduates like me?

But what exactly is your intention in doing this? Do you simply wish to have a "flavor" of what QM is, or do you intend to have the same level of knowledge and expertise in QM as a physics major? The final goal will dictate the approach that you take.

If you only have A-level knowledge, please be aware that you do not have anywhere close to the mathematics that is required to be able to work through a QM text at the undergraduate level. Without being able to understand the mathematics and working through the examples and problems in a QM text, you will only get a superficial understanding of the subject.

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
But what exactly is your intention in doing this? Do you simply wish to have a "flavor" of what QM is, or do you intend to have the same level of knowledge and expertise in QM as a physics major? The final goal will dictate the approach that you take.

If you only have A-level knowledge, please be aware that you do not have anywhere close to the mathematics that is required to be able to work through a QM text at the undergraduate level. Without being able to understand the mathematics and working through the examples and problems in a QM text, you will only get a superficial understanding of the subject.

Zz.
My aim ultimately is to complete my undergraduate as well as graduate in physics and I want to grasp as much knowledge as possible before I start my studies at the university next year. I am ready to build up my math skills if necessary but I need a guideway to learn it first. I don't want to pick up random topics.
 
This isn't going to help you get a jump start because, given your background, it will have to be a very superficial treatment. Also, it's not a problem because you're already on the path to getting there.
 
mrhxszp said:
I am ready to build up my math skills
What do you know already... algebra? trigonometry? calculus (differential and integral)?
 

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