Griffiths Quantum Mechanics: Pros and Cons

I am often asked to recommend textbooks for quantum mechanics (QM). The book adopted most widely is probably Griffiths. Here, instead of recommending or not recommending this book, I’d like to use Griffiths as an example, to share my view on “what we expect to learn” from a good textbook: in which sense Griffiths is such a good textbook, and what are the components that Griffiths lacks.

In short, Griffiths is a manual, or “Cookbook on Quantum Mechanics”. It’s extremely successful in this regard, but is lacking in many other aspects. If you use Griffiths, it’s important to also use other books to complement its shortcomings.

Here are the details:

PHYS5530 (2023) Introduction to General Relativity

Time: Tuesday & Thursday 09:00AM - 10:50AM, 5 Sep - 30 Nov, 2023 (26 lectures in total)

Venue: Rm 2302, Lift 17-18

Online broadcast: KouShare, Zoom (link to be added)

Textbook:

Lecture Notes: Download here, password 4211 if not filled automatically

Syllabus:

  • Equivalence Principle
  • General Covariance and tensors
  • Curvature and Einstein equations
  • Celestial bodies and black holes
  • Gravitational waves
  • Cosmology
  • Cosmological perturbations (if time permits)

Note for online learners:

As a regular course at HKUST, we will first consider the face-to-face teaching experience. Thus the following arrangement are made. Thanks for your support:

  • The instruction language is English
  • If you have questions:
    • During the lecture: please send a comment. (We may or may not handle it in real time)
    • After the lecture: feel free to stay on Zoom and discuss
  • No grading of homework, exams or certificates for non-HKUST students