7,619 research outputs found
A new introductory quantum mechanics curriculum
The Institute of Physics New Quantum Curriculum consists of freely available
online learning and teaching materials (quantumphysics.iop.org) for a first
course in university quantum mechanics starting from two-level systems. This
approach immediately immerses students in inherently quantum mechanical aspects
by focusing on experiments that have no classical explanation. It allows from
the start a discussion of interpretive aspects of quantum mechanics and quantum
information theory. This article gives an overview of the resources available
at the IOP website. The core text is presented as around 80 articles
co-authored by leading experts that are arranged in themes and can be used
flexibly to provide a range of alternative approaches. Many of the articles
include interactive simulations with accompanying activities and problem sets
that can be explored by students to enhance their understanding. Much of the
linear algebra needed for this approach is part of the resource. Solutions to
activities are available to instructors. The resources can be used in a variety
of ways from supplements to existing courses to a complete programme.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, 1 table; submitted to the European Journal of
Physic
Exploration of Reaction Pathways and Chemical Transformation Networks
For the investigation of chemical reaction networks, the identification of
all relevant intermediates and elementary reactions is mandatory. Many
algorithmic approaches exist that perform explorations efficiently and
automatedly. These approaches differ in their application range, the level of
completeness of the exploration, as well as the amount of heuristics and human
intervention required. Here, we describe and compare the different approaches
based on these criteria. Future directions leveraging the strengths of chemical
heuristics, human interaction, and physical rigor are discussed.Comment: 48 pages, 4 figure
Immersive Interactive Quantum Mechanics for Teaching and Learning Chemistry
The impossibility of experiencing the molecular world with our senses hampers
teaching and understanding chemistry because very abstract concepts (such as
atoms, chemical bonds, molecular structure, reactivity) are required for this
process. Virtual reality, especially when based on explicit physical modeling
(potentially in real time), offers a solution to this dilemma. Chemistry
teaching can make use of advanced technologies such as virtual-reality
frameworks and haptic devices. We show how an immersive learning setting could
be applied to help students understand the core concepts of typical chemical
reactions by offering a much more intuitive approach than traditional learning
settings. Our setting relies on an interactive exploration and manipulation of
a chemical system; this system is simulated in real-time with quantum chemical
methods, and therefore, behaves in a physically meaningful way.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figure
WavePacket: A Matlab package for numerical quantum dynamics. I: Closed quantum systems and discrete variable representations
WavePacket is an open-source program package for the numerical simulation of
quantum-mechanical dynamics. It can be used to solve time-independent or
time-dependent linear Schr\"odinger and Liouville-von Neumann-equations in one
or more dimensions. Also coupled equations can be treated, which allows to
simulate molecular quantum dynamics beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
Optionally accounting for the interaction with external electric fields within
the semiclassical dipole approximation, WavePacket can be used to simulate
experiments involving tailored light pulses in photo-induced physics or
chemistry.The graphical capabilities allow visualization of quantum dynamics
'on the fly', including Wigner phase space representations. Being easy to use
and highly versatile, WavePacket is well suited for the teaching of quantum
mechanics as well as for research projects in atomic, molecular and optical
physics or in physical or theoretical chemistry.The present Part I deals with
the description of closed quantum systems in terms of Schr\"odinger equations.
The emphasis is on discrete variable representations for spatial discretization
as well as various techniques for temporal discretization.The upcoming Part II
will focus on open quantum systems and dimension reduction; it also describes
the codes for optimal control of quantum dynamics.The present work introduces
the MATLAB version of WavePacket 5.2.1 which is hosted at the Sourceforge
platform, where extensive Wiki-documentation as well as worked-out
demonstration examples can be found
Planning Curricular Proposals on Sound and Music with Prospective Secondary-School Teachers
Sound is a preferred context to build foundations on wave phenomena, one of
the most important disciplinary referents in physics. It is also one of the
best-set frameworks to achieve transversality, overcoming scholastic level and
activating emotional aspects which are naturally connected with every day life,
as well as with music and perception. Looking at sound and music by a
transversal perspective - a border-line approach between science and art, is
the adopted statement for a teaching proposal using meta-cognition as a
strategy in scientific education. This work analyzes curricular proposals on
musical acoustics, planned by prospective secondary-school teachers in the
framework of a Formative Intervention Module answering the expectation of
making more effective teaching scientific subjects by improving creative
capabilities, as well as leading to build logical and scientific
categorizations able to consciously discipline artistic activity in music
students. With this aim, a particular emphasis is given to those concepts -
like sound parameters and structural elements of a musical piece, which are
best fitted to be addressed on a transversal perspective, involving
simultaneously physics, psychophysics and music.Comment: 12 pages with 5 figures. Submitted for publication in Physics
Curriculum Design, Development and Validation - GIREP 2008 book of selected
papers, 200
The LAB@FUTURE Project - Moving Towards the Future of E-Learning
This paper presents Lab@Future, an advanced e-learning platform that uses novel Information and Communication Technologies to support and expand laboratory teaching practices. For this purpose, Lab@Future uses real and computer-generated objects that are interfaced using mechatronic systems, augmented reality, mobile technologies and 3D multi user environments. The main aim is to develop and demonstrate technological support for practical experiments in the following focused subjects namely: Fluid Dynamics - Science subject in Germany, Geometry - Mathematics subject in Austria, History and Environmental Awareness – Arts and Humanities subjects in Greece and Slovenia. In order to pedagogically enhance the design and functional aspects of this e-learning technology, we are investigating the dialogical operationalisation of learning theories so as to leverage our understanding of teaching and learning practices in the targeted context of deployment
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