Towards a better understanding of conceptual difficulties in introductory quantum physics courses

The growing interest in nanoscale energy transfer research and funding in mechanical engineering departments far out weighs the availability for formal training of fundamental ideas and concepts in this area. Although several universities offer formal graduate courses in nanoscale energy transfer, these courses are often a survey of current research and are typically geared to graduate students or advanced undergraduates with a stonger physics background than the typical undergraduate engineering student. The goal of this paper is to outline a course that is designed to teach fundamental nanoscale energy transfer concepts to the undergraduate engineering student who has not taken advanced physics courses outside of the ABET approved mechanical engineering curriculum. A survey of different nanoscale energy transfer courses from various institutions around the world is discussed in specific context of the benefits for the typical mechanical engineering undergraduate. The limited textbooks that are available on the subject are also discussed. An outline of fundamental topics in quantum physics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics is presented as important concepts that the typical undergraduate should understand in order to understand basic research and principles of nanoscale energy transfer. Important phenomena and techniques in nanoscale energy transfer research are also discussed. This course was taught as an undergraduate and graduate engineering elective at the University of Virginia in the spring semester of 2008.

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Instructional Design for Student Learning on Quantum Tunneling

Himalayan Physics ◽

10.3126/hj.v3i0.7272 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 27-34

Author(s):

Shova Kanta Lamichhane

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Quantum Tunneling ◽

Study Skills ◽

Quantum Physics ◽

Wave Functions ◽

Problem Solving Skills ◽

Physical Systems ◽

Physics Courses ◽

University Level ◽

Physics Course

Acquiring mathematical, conceptual, and problem-solving skill is required in university-level physics courses. Average students often lack the knowledge and study skills need to succeed in physics, preciously in quantum physics course. The reasons for these difficulties are more subtle and some of them are brought to the surface. Addressing how to build models of wave functions and energy and how to relate these models to real physical systems is a challenging job. Article has opened up a floodgate of deep and difficult task for students struggle to make sense of these models. Article has discuss the difficulties and the real issues of student in learning quantum tunneling to build the models that are implicit in experts’ understanding. So that, in addition to class attendance and/or group study, students must also learn to work by themselves to develop the mathematical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills they need.The Himalayan PhysicsVol. 3, No. 32012Page : 27-34

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Quantum Physics

10.1017/cbo9780511535284 ◽

2004 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alastair I. M. Rae

Keyword(s):

Quantum Physics

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