Quantum mechanics teaching resources from the Institute of Physics

Abstract

In December 2013, the Institute of Physics (IOP) launched a set of freely available resources at quantumphysics.iop.org for the teaching and learning of quantum mechanics. The website includes about 80 short articles written by experts in the field and 17 interactive simulations with accompanying activities for an introductory course in quantum mechanics starting from two-level systems. The articles are arranged according to five themes, including a focus on quantum information, interpretations of quantum mechanics, the mathematical structure of the theory, physics applications and historical experiments. The resources make topics such as entanglement, hidden variables and quantum information theory accessible to introductory-level students. They can be used flexibly for a variety of instructional aims at both the introductory and more advanced level. The website includes links to pre-readings, suggestions for further reading, a glossary of technical terms and allows users to rate their understanding of articles.

Sharing of these resources is encouraged, with all usage under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND licence. Solutions to problems and activities are available for instructors by emailing quantumphysics@iop.org. Instructors interested in evaluating these resources with their students in order to help us further develop and optimize the site are requested to contact the corresponding author.