Additional resources

This page is the space for additional resources which may prove to be of some use and/or interest for curious individuals.

Websites

• Besides being a best-in-class mathematics educator, Grant Sanderson, a.k.a. 3Blue1Brown, has an excellent video series on the essence of linear algebra, which works to give you firm geometric grounding and build intuition in an area which is often taught in a highly abstract way, far removed from its practical application and implications. Given the heavy lifting that is done by linear algebra in atomic physics - and physics more generally - a quick brush-up on the subject, which is taught in such an insightful and refreshing manner, is well worth your time.

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Texts

• Undergraduate texts for quantum mechanics are common; however, concise, informed, relevant, and entertaining texts are much less common. I think the texts prescribed for both quantum and atomic physics are the best texts for the courses, but other texts which are recommended include
  • The classic - and increasingly difficult to find - Physics of Atoms and Molecules by B H Bransden and Charles J. Joachain
  • A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition by John S. Townsend from Harvey Mudd College
  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths and Darrell F. Schroeter from Reed College
  • Quantum Mechanics by Daniel A. Steck from the University of Oregon
  • Harry Potter and the methods of rationality by Eliezer Eudkowsky. Who know that Harry Potter fan fiction could provide such insight. As a jumping off point: Petunia married a biochemist, and Harry grew up reading science and science fiction. Then came the Hogwarts letter, and a world of intriguing new possibilities to exploit.

Previous course notes

Atomic physics at UTAS is taught every second (even-numbered) year, with the previous course outing having been taught by Krzysztof Bolejko and Ross Turner for atomic physics and nuclear physics respectively. The notes from the 2022 course are posted here as a reference, but it should be emphasised that the course structure is vastly different, and consequently one's mileage may vary.

Atomic physics

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