Learning Quantum Mechanics

The primary goal of this project is to reveal the conceptual difficulties that students are experiencing whilst learning quantum mechanics in chemistry and physics settings. The investigation will explore how chemistry and physics students conceptualise the quantum mechanics presented in the current undergraduate curriculum. The study will focus on mathematical skills, metaphors, analogies, visualisations and problem solving strategies adopted by students to solve both formal text book and novel questions. Academic staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students will be invited to participate in the study. (Outline of Rationale and Research Plan)

Interdisciplinary Research Team

During 1992 - 1993 Professor Ian Johnston commenced a study into how students learnt quantum mechanics. He developed a number of questionnaires and surveyed 2^nd and 3^rd year physics students. Peter Fletcher joined his research team and commenced a Master of Science in 1995 "How Students Learn Quantum Mechanics", this project focused on four key concepts/ideas - Uncertainty, Energy Levels, Photoelectric Effect and Waves ; and was completed in 1997. In 1998 Peter commenced a PhD program which would build upon the MSc project and mesh in with the work being carried out in other Physics Education Research Centres around the World. In May 2000 the Faculty of Science through SCIFER acknowledged the importance of this research and awarded a small grant to support and extend the project to become an interdisciplinary project covering Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.