Foundations of Quantum Physics

Intended to be used as a textbook for an introductory course in quantum mechanics at the undergraduate level, Foundations of Quantum Physics is also meant to be retained by the student for later use as a reference.  The presentation begins with the solution of some basic quantum mechanical problems.  The emphasis is on those features of the solutions that are unique to quantum physics.  It is only after these aspects of quantum physics are thoroughly discussed that the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics is presented and related to the previous chapters.  Throughout the book, the emphasis is on understanding the concepts and relating them to known phenomena.

Because the book is intended to serve as a reference long after it has been used as a textbook, it contains more material than an instructor can likely cover in a two semester course.  In keeping with this theme, there are topics included, not necessarily more advanced topics, that are not normally covered in introductory textbooks.

Charles E. Burkhardt and Jacob J. Leventhal are authors of Topics in Atomic Physics (Springer 2005). Foundations of Quantum Physics will serve nicely as a prequel to the Topics book.