EdX

Quantum Mechanics for Everyone (edX)

Offered by Georgetown University, GeorgetownX,
Quantum Mechanics for Everyone (edX)

Learn the fundamental notions of quantum mechanics at a level that is accessible to everyone. Quantum Mechanics for Everyone is a six-week long MOOC that teaches the basic ideas of quantum mechanics with a method that requires no complicated math beyond taking square roots (and you can use a calculator for that).

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Quantum theory is taught without “dumbing down” any of the material, giving you the same version experts use in current research. We will cover the quantum mystery of the two-slit experiment and advanced topics that include how to see something without shining light on it (quantum seeing in the dark) and bunching effects of photons (Hong-Ou-Mandel effect).

To get a flavor for the course and see if it is right for you, watch "Let's get small", which shows you how poorly you were taught what an atom looks like, and "The fallacy of physics phobia."

What you'll learn

  • Understand what a quantum particle is in the world of the ultrasmall
  • Learn the basics of probability theory
  • Discover what spin is and how it is manipulated by magnets
  • Explain what the quantum mystery is
  • Apply quantum ideas to understand partial reflection of light, interaction-free measurements, and particle indistinguishability

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction to the Quantum World

  • Introduction
  • Classical mechanics of moving magnets in a magnetic field
  • Probability
  • Quantum Probability

2. Advanced Quantum Mechanics with Spins

  • Stern-Gerlach analyzer-loop
  • Analog of the two-slit experiment
  • Wheeler’s delayed choice experiment
  • Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen
  • Bell’s inequality
  • NMR and MRI

3. The Quantum Mechanics of Light

  • Wave or particle?
  • Exploring the quantum model for light
  • Developing the quantum model for light
  • Understanding the quantum mystery
  • Applications of the quantum theory of light

4. Advanced Quantum Ideas with Light

  • Introduction to quantum seeing in the dark
  • Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
  • The Quantum Zeno Effect Quantum Seeing in the Dark
  • Identical particles and the Hong-Ou-Mandel experiment
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Cavity Quantum Optomechanics (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

Cavity Quantum Optomechanics (edX)

Sci: Physics

Fundamentals of optomechanics. Basic principles, recent developments and applications. Optomechanics is the study of the interaction between light and mechanical systems which can result in the manipulation of the state of both light and the mechanics. The nature of this interaction gives rise to a wide range of applications in both fundamental physics and technological advancements. In this course, you will learn the concepts and tools required for conducting research in the field of cavity optomechanics.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Physics Quantum Elasticity
Details
Is this Physics or Magic? Learning Physics through Minds-on Science Demonstration (edX) EdX
National University of Singapore,NUS

Is this Physics or Magic? Learning Physics through Minds-on Science Demonstration (edX)

Sci: Physics

Is this MOOC an introduction to Physics or Magic? Here's calling all curious minds from every corner of the globe to join us to learn physics via science demonstrations which are exciting, visually appealing and thought provoking. In this MOOC, you'll get to witness how demonstrations can add reality and vividness to the process of concept formation, and pick up one or two scientific nuggets along the way.

Sep 5th 2023
5-12 Weeks
Physics Classical Mechanics Electrostatic Energy
Details
Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe (edX) EdX
Waseda University,WasedaX

Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe (edX)

Sci: Physics Science

Join us on a unique exploration of one of the universe’s deepest mysteries: cosmic rays. In the Universe, high-energy cosmic rays are violently propagating in space. While we know these cosmic rays come from outside of the solar system, exactly how and where they originate is a mystery. Professor Shoji Torii from Waseda University and many researchers from around the world, believe that understanding about their origin will help resolve the mysteries of the Universe, such as, supernova remnants, dark matter, and even the Universe’s evolution.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Universe Physics Dark Matter
Details
The Quantum Internet and Quantum Computers: How Will They Change the World? (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

The Quantum Internet and Quantum Computers: How Will They Change the World? (edX)

Sci: Physics Science

Discover quantum computers and the quantum internet. Learn the principles and promises behind these developments and how they will impact our future. There is no doubt that quantum computers and the quantum internet will have a great impact on our world. But we don’t yet know quite how. As with traditional computers - we will only see the effects in the decades to come.This course will provide you with a basic understanding of quantum computing and the quantum internet. Together, we’ll peek into the fascinating world of quantum phenomena, such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Physics Quantum Quantum Computing
Details
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2 (edX) EdX
StanfordOnline

Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2 (edX)

Engineering Sci: Physics

This course covers key topics in the use of quantum mechanics in many modern applications in science and technology, introduces core advanced concepts such as spin, identical particles, the quantum mechanics of light, the basics of quantum information, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics, and covers the major ways in which quantum mechanics is written and used in modern practice.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Science Mechanics Quantum
Details
Quantum Detectors (edX) EdX
Purdue University,PurdueX

Quantum Detectors (edX)

Engineering Sci: Physics

Learn about quantum sensors and devices that extract maximal information from the world around us. Classical detectors and sensors are ubiquitous around us from heat sensors in cars to light detectors in a camera cell phone. Leveraging advances in the theory of noise and measurement, an important paradigm of quantum metrology has emerged. Here, ultra-precision measurement devices collect maximal information from the world around us at the quantum limit.

Feb 12th 2024
5-12 Weeks
Physics Quantum Engineering
Details