Quantum Mechanics

This is a great introduction to QM but it is not an easy one. Some may benefit by taking a “modern physics” kind of course before this although it’s not required. Some of the techniques maybe a bit too slick sometimes for a first exposure (e.g. solving for things using Virial theorem, dimensional analysis, and scaling arguments! No explicit calculation!) but a slow and thorough watch (plus doing some good exercises) will definitely enlighten you :)

I would recommend studying linear algebra in ... more

What I wanted was hot tips on how to tighten my lousy MGB’s fan belt. Two or three hours in, I realised this podcast was SOMETHING ELSE entirely. I will refrain from speculating what that SOMETHING ELSE might or might not be. The effect on this humbled observer was utter discombobulationism. 🛸

James Binney believes that quantum uncertainty is simply a result of the measurement disturbing the quantum particle.

First off, I'm not without bias -- I was an undergraduate in the first run of these lectures, a year before these recordings. At the time, I found it very difficult to understand the subject at all, and Binney seemed to only reconfirm my fears. However, year after year, I still find myself coming back to him: the knowledge contained in these lectures (and in his book) is definitive, well written, and in a modern notation. It's the basis of so much that it's really worth putting the effort into u... more

Binney is constantly stopping to check his notes, is hesitant in his presentation, and is disorganized in his presentation of material -- the lectures are the work of a disorganized chalk pusher. Disappointing.

I recommended this course to all graduated and undergraduated students.

Some may think I am being overly judgemental - but I think this professor cannot teach. I am saying this looking back at how my uni lecturers used to "teach" and it was the same. No explanation of the parts that really matter, e.g. some of the formulas he just seemed to pluck from thin air (to someone who is new to Quantum Mechanics, this is how they will feel), and simply said this is how you use it. There is no explanation as to WHY it is like that, a derivation, even a "I'll go through the pr... more

Having a master's in math & probability, this lesson is the first time I feel I actually understand what quantum mechanics is.

True quantum physics is very mathematical and the usual presentations where the math complexity is hidden or dumbed down gave me some intuitions but no solid foundation of understanding.

The accompanying free ebook is very well written and follows the video lesson.

Many thanks prof. Binney!

For other commenters complaining about difficulty, you can either work your mat... more

This is an excellent and serious introduction to QM for 2nd year physics students in the UK - I wonder if anyone at Oxford bothers to attend the real lectures now this is online.

Dr Binney works out nearly every line in real time on the board, bravely ignoring the standard advice that one should never integrate in public. The level is exactly where it needs to be - challenging but always accessible to the motivated mathematical science major. All the usual things at this level are covered, al... more

Both Binney and this course are the real thing: Binney is a respected Astrophysicist, and this is the course of lectures you get on the subject if you study undergrad Physics at the UK's 2nd best uni. So, the following health warnings apply: 1. Expect to have to work (or at least think) hard if you want to get full value; 2. This is not for the faint-hearted, many of the students in the lecture theatre will (or may) go on to be professional physicists and need to actually understand how to do Q... more

Very good classes and teacher.

一度履修した人ならば英語の勉強とかねて復習にもいいのでは？板書をしながらの進行なので、英語をある程度聴き取れなくても分かると思います。

What is great about this series of lectures on quantum mechanics is not only the intuitive development of the theory but the great insights into the ontological significance of the formalism. Highly recommended.

Just Excellent !

Complete novice to any type of physics bar GCSE, but that was very fascinating. Agreed on the probability recap, that was a bit too long winded and everyone knew it, but a good introductary lecture.