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PHY-20043 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 06 April 2026

PHY-20043 - The Quantum World
Coordinator: Pierre Maxted Room: LJ2.06 Tel: +44 1782 7 33457
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Quantum mechanics is the foundation of technologies that have built the modern world and gives us the tools to study nature at its most fundamental, microscopic level. This module will introduce you to the weirdness of quantum theory and atomic physics, equipping you for more advanced topics to come. You will investigate applications of quantum mechanics such as the scanning tunnelling electron microscopes and nuclear fusion in stellar astrophysics.

Aims
This module aims to introduce the students to quantum theory and its application to atomic physics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse simple quantum systems to make quantitative predictions about their observed behaviour: 1,2
describe the statistical treatment of large ensembles of particles: 1,2
explain the origin of energy bands in solids: 1,2
apply knowledge of quantum mechanics to describe the origin and structure of energy levels for electrons in simple atoms: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
24 hours of lectures;
24 hours physics practicals.
Independent Study Hours:
2.5 hours examination;
24 assessed problem-solving exercises;
75.5 hours of examination revision and private study.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 70%
Unseen written examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of 8-10 compulsory short questions (equally weighted and adding to 40%) and 3-4 long questions of which students chose 2 questions (equally weighted and adding to 60%).

2: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Problem-solving worksheets and activities
Students are set exercises and tasks for them to complete at specific times during the academic year, pertaining to the material covered until that point. These will be a mixture of traditional problem sheet questions and in-class activities. Equivalent to ~1500 words

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 06 April 2026