Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications

This module takes you on a journey from the fundamental concepts of quantum physics to contemporary applications in quantum systems and quantum computing. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of quantum mechanics’ core principles, formalisms, and mathematical techniques. Building on this understanding, you’ll discover how quantum mechanics is used to model and control the behaviour of complex physical systems, from atoms to molecules and lattices of atoms. Additionally, you’ll conduct entanglement experiments and critically interpret your results using a quantum computer.

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Module

Module code

SM380

Credits

Study level

Level of Study
OU	SCQF	FHEQ
3	10	6

What you will study

Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380) will teach you the core concepts of quantum physics, including:

the concepts of wave functions, expectation values and uncertainties
Schrödinger’s equation for simple model systems such as particles in boxes and harmonic oscillators
the quantum processes of tunnelling, barrier penetration and reflection
Dirac notation and how quantum states can be represented by vectors in a vector space, with observable quantities represented by operators acting on the vectors
the properties of orbital and spin angular momentum and the extraordinary properties of systems of identical particles
the hydrogen atom and useful techniques of approximation that will enable you to model a more complex system with the help of Python
fascinating concepts in the interpretation of quantum mechanics, like entanglement, superposition, and the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

This module focuses on problem-solving and the ability to reason clearly and to discuss complex ideas. It will enable you to confidently use the fundamental concepts and mathematical formalism to solve problems relating to simple quantum systems.

You’ll have a unique opportunity to carry out experiments on entanglement, developing distinctive and innovative skills and understanding of qubits and quantum logic operations – the building blocks of quantum computing.

You’ll learn to tackle problems relating to more complex quantum systems by using approximations and computational approaches.

Finally, you will see how quantum mechanical methods are used to understand the behaviour of matter, from the scale of nuclei and atoms to molecules and lattices.

By the end of your study, you’ll be able to critically discuss fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics (superposition and entanglement), basing the arguments on your own experimental data.

You will learn

You will learn:

the key ideas, concepts, fundamental principles and methods of quantum mechanics and its contemporary applications
to discuss the underlying concepts and interpretation of quantum phenomena at a graduate level
to describe quantum systems using appropriate-level mathematics
to simulate quantum systems using computing and purpose-written modelling tools
to use and apply the concepts, formalism and methods of core quantum mechanics to formulate and solve a range of problems, including unfamiliar ones
to make estimates and apply approximation methods to real systems, interpret the results and critically evaluate the extent to which these are applicable
to prepare, process, interpret and present data to communicate scientific information, arguments and ideas in quantum physics accurately and effectively using written, visual and numerical forms in a style that suits the purpose and audience
to obtain, record, collate and analyse data derived from investigations and interpret and report their significance considering underlying theory, practical issues and relevant information from other sources
to initiate, design, conduct and report on investigations that may involve the acquisition of data
to manage your own learning time and work independently
to engage effectively with feedback.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
Guiding you to additional learning resources.
Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:; 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
: Examination

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this module.

At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need appropriate knowledge of mathematics and physics obtained through:

OU level 1 and 2 study
equivalent work at another higher education institution.

Are you ready for SM380?

Preparatory work

We recommend you’ve completed:

The parts relating to matrices and ordinary and partial differential equations are especially relevant.

Plus:

Physics: from classical to quantum (S217).

The parts relating to classical and quantum mechanics are especially relevant.

Register

Start	End	Fee
-	-	-	No current presentation - see Future availability
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Employer sponsorship

Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.

Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).

Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

This information was provided on 14/12/2024.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

be resident in England
have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

monthly payments through OUSBA
part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

The module uses a mix of two printed books and online material.

The study material is in units. Each includes content presented in the two books accompanied by online videos, interactive activities and Python-based and remote activities. On the module website, you’ll find clear guidance about navigating the different activities and presentation tools.

The spine of the module is the module website, which will direct you to printed books for the more fundamental content. The website will also include a week-by-week study planner.

Forums will be used for discussions of interesting points raised in the interpretation of data from the activities and for more general discussion.

Self-assessed questions in the module will feature to monitor progress.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying SM380 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.