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- UCAS course code
- F305
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Fundamentals of Solid State Physics
Unit code | PHYS20252 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | Department of Physics & Astronomy |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Fundamentals of Solid State Physics
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Properties of Matter | PHYS10352 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Mathematics 2 | PHYS10372 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | PHYS20101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
To introduce the fundamental principles of solid state physics, taking wave motion in a crystal as the unifying concept; the waves include X rays, lattice vibrations and de Broglie waves of electrons. To show how the form of the electron wave functions, their energies, and their occupation by electrons help us to understand the differences between metals, insulators and semiconductors.
Learning outcomes
‘This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.’
On completion, successful students will be able to:
- Describe how wave motion in periodic structures leads to an understanding of the temperature dependence of specific heat, and calculate the phonon dispersin relation for a chain of atoms.
- Explain how electron wave functions and energies are changed by the presence of the periodic crystal potential.
- Demonstrate how the electrical properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors are related to their electronic structure.
- Explain how simple semiconductor devices (such as the p-n junction) work.
Syllabus
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 10% |
Written exam | 90% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by tutors on students’ written solutions to weekly examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Eisberg, R.M. & Resnick, R. Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles (Wiley)
De Podesta, M. Understanding the Properties of Matter, 2nd ed (Taylor & Francis)
Hook, J.R. & Hall, H.E. Solid State Physics, 2/e (Wiley)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Tutorials | 4 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 70.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Yang Xian | Unit coordinator |