Approximation methods

This course can also be credited as ECEA 5612, part of the CU Boulder electrical engineering master's program. This course examines commonly used approximation methods in quantum mechanics. These include time-independent perturbation theory, time-dependent perturbation theory, the tight-binding method, the variational method, and the use of a finite set of bases. In each case, a specific example is given to illustrate how the method works. At the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. use time-dependent perturbation theory to obtain first- and second-order corrections to energies and wave functions; 2. use time-dependent perturbation theory to obtain transition rates; 3. use the tight coupling method, the variational method, and finite basis sets to obtain approximate solutions to various problems in quantum mechanics.