Atomic and Molecular Physics
This is an introductory course in atomic and molecular physics. This course introduces the quantum mechanical description of single and multi-electron atoms. Through fundamental studies of atoms, you will better understand the construction of the periodic table. The physical foundation underlying the formation of molecular bonds will also be studied.
In the course, you will apply theoretical methods such as time-independent perturbation theory and the variational principle to study atoms and molecules, and include effects such as fine structure, hyperfine structure, and the Zeeman effect. You will theoretically and experimentally investigate how atoms and molecules interact with light, and how the spectra of atoms and molecules are used to learn about the systems.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department
Everyone admitted to a course in Physics will receive a welcome letter with important information from us via e-mail. If you have not receive an e-mail by mid-August, please contact our Academic advisor! Unfold and read more.
Roll-call
Courses at the Department of Physics do not have a roll-call. Instead the course starts with the first lecture.
Registration
After being admitted to a course, you must register to confirm that you are starting your studies. For most of our courses this can be done online using your university account. Registration normally opens two weeks before the course starts and you must have registered at the latest one week after. If you have any problems with registration, contact our Student office. Contact details can be found below.
Click here to register online.
Learning platform
Most of the courses in physics use the Athena learning platform. Once registered, the course should appear automatically in Athena. If you cannot find the course, contact the course coordinator. If the course uses a different website, you can find the link further down on this web page.
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted to a course at our department you need to contact our Academic advisor before you can register. Contact us as soon as possible, well before the course starts. Contact details are found further down on this web page.
Applicants on waiting list
Are you placed on a waiting list to any of our courses? You will always be contacted via e-mail if you are offered a place. Normaly we will not admit new students if more than 1 week has passed after the first lecture.
Find the Departmend of Physics
Most of the physics courses are held in the AlbaNova building, located between the Frescati campus and the Royal Institute of Technology (Tekniska högskolan, KTH). Courses in medical radiation physics are sometimes held at Campus Karolinska Hospital. A few of our physics courses are also given in collaboration with KTH or other departments. If this is the case it is clearly stated further down on this web page.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
In the course, you will apply theoretical methods such as time-independent perturbation theory and the variational principle to study atoms and molecules, and include effects such as fine structure, hyperfine structure, and the Zeeman effect. You will theoretically and experimentally investigate how atoms and molecules interact with light, and how the spectra of atoms and molecules are used to learn about the systems.
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Course structure
This is a first cycle course given during the daytime. The course is included in the bachelor programmes in physics and astronomy. It can also be studied as a separate course.
Teaching format
The education consists of lectures where theory reviews are combined with problem solving in groups. The problems studied in the course have an open character. Students undertake obligatory laboratory work, and these are reported orally.
The course can be given in English.
Assessment
The course is examined through written exam and oral presentation of the laboratory work.
Examiner
Åsa Larson, phone: 08 553 786 54 , e-mail: aasal@fysik.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
- Astronomical Spectroscopy, An Introduction to the Atomic and Molecular Physics of Astronomical Spectra, J. Tennyson (2nd or 3rd edition)
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, David J. Griffiths, 3rd edition
- Physics Handbook for science and engineering, C. Nordling, J. Österman (can be used during the exam)
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Course reports
Här ligger ett skript.
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More information
When can I apply?
Registration is open from mid-March to mid-April for courses that run in the fall, and from mid-September to mid-October for courses that run in the spring.
Please note that many courses open for late registration in mid-July for courses in the autumn term and in mid-December for courses in the spring term.
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Contact
Course coordinator:
Åsa Larson, phone: +468 5537 8654 , e-post: aasal@fysik.su.se
Mark Stockett, tel: +468 5537 8696, e-post: mark.stockett@fysik.su.seLaboratory assistents:
Rachel Poulose, e-mail: rachel.poulose@fysik.su.seAcademic advisor at the Department of Physics: studievagledare@fysik.su.se
Student office: studentexp@fysik.su.se
