Aims: to apply the principles of quantum mechanics (from courses PH2210, PH3210) to many electron atomic systems. To build quantitative models to understand and predict the behaviour of multi-electron atoms, which were introduced qualitatively in PH1920. To understand experimental spectroscopy techniques and compare with model predictions.

On completion of the course, students should be able to:
• understand the basic theoretical physics of atoms and the interaction between
radiation and matter;
• understand the experimental techniques and results;
• appreciate the quantitative validity of models in describing the properties and
behaviour of atoms, when comparing to experiments;
• being able to generalize atomic physics concepts to nuclear and molecular
physics