Quantum mechanics is one of the most difficult subjects to learn or teach but it has only recently become the focus of educational research. Studies have documented common misconceptions and areas of difficulty by examining student performance, but have not independently explored current teaching practice. In this study, an audit of all quantum mechanics classes was conducted over the spring semester of 2004 in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. This comprised courses from first, second, and honours years. Although the traditional lecture format is still intact throughout these courses, lecturers are experimenting with computer simulations, visual teaching aids, and innovative demonstrations, attempting to overcome the abstractness of the subject with enabling technologies. There is substantial overlap between material taught in the first and second years, however this content bears little resemblance to the honours level curriculum. Interactivity is limited in all courses; implications for teaching are discussed.

Keywords: quantum mechanics, lecture method, educational technology