Topics in quantum dynamics

In these lectures I discuss the two kinds of evolution of quantum systems: - continuous evolution of closed systems - stochastic evolution of open systems. The first type concerns evolution of closed, isolated quantum systems that evolve under the action of prescribed external forces, but are not disturbed by observations, and are not coupled thermodynamically or in some other irreversible way to the environment. This evolution is governed by the Schroedinger equation and is also known as a unitary or, more generally, as an automorphic evolution. In contrast to this idealized case (approximatively valid only when dissipative effects can be neglected), quantum theory is also concerned with a different kind of change of state. (orig.)