R.D. Santiago Acosta, E.M. Hernández Cooper, A. Hernández Medina
Addressing the inherent abstractness and mathematical complexity of Quantum Mechanics (QM) for early-semester engineering students, this paper presents an innovative educational experience focused on the numerical study of the one-dimensional Schrödinger Equation using MATLAB. Conducted over 24 hours (12 in-class, 12 out-of-class) with two groups of 24 and 22 students, the activity aimed to introduce key QM concepts through a practical, computational approach that uniquely integrates artificial intelligence (AI) tools and numerical programming.
The pedagogical design comprised four main components:
(1) conceptual exploration supported by AI-based tools to facilitate initial understanding and personalized learning of quantum phenomena and their engineering applications;
(2) classroom discussions to consolidate key ideas;
(3) the development of MATLAB programs to numerically solve the Schrödinger Equation in several physically relevant scenarios—including potential barriers (illustrating quantum tunneling), particle confinement (quantization of energy), harmonic and Morse potentials (linking states to linear algebra), and periodic structures modeled with the Kronig-Penney approach; and
(4) the use of interactive applications, also developed in MATLAB, to dynamically visualize and explore quantum behavior.
Preliminary results demonstrate somet improvements in students' conceptual understanding of quantum systems, particularly in visualizing and interpreting phenomena like energy quantization, tunneling effects, and the wave-like nature of particles. Furthermore, this integration of numerical simulation fostered the development of computational thinking and equipped students with practical tools to approach more complex physical systems in future coursework. This experience underscores the transformative potential of combining AI-assisted learning with hands-on numerical modeling to enhance quantum physics education, preparing undergraduate engineering students for advanced studies and real-world applications."
Keywords: Higher education, Shroedinger equation, Matlab, IA Technology.