MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics

This unit provides an in-depth introduction to the core principles of condensed matter physics, focusing on the behaviour of electrons in crystalline lattices. Students will explore interatomic bonding, crystal structures, and diffraction techniques, along with the electronic properties of materials using concepts like Bloch's theorem and the tight-binding model. The unit covers lattice vibrations and phonons, examining their role in material properties, as well as the response of materials to electric and optical fields through polarizability and dielectric functions. Additionally, students will study magnetic phenomena and quantum phases of matter, including magnetic ordering, mean-field theory, and the nature of protected boundary states and gapless excitations in condensed matter systems. 

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of condensed matter physics, including the classification of interatomic bonding and the study of crystal structures, symmetry, and diffraction to explain material properties.

To develop students' ability to apply Bloch's theorem and the tight-binding method in the analysis of electron motion in periodic potentials, and to assess how phonon interactions influence electronic properties.

To introduce students to the concepts of polarisability, dielectric functions, and electromagnetic wave propagation, and to enable them to describe material responses to electric and optical fields.

To explore the different types of magnetic ordering within mean-field theory and evaluate the role of protected boundary states and gapless excitations in the quantum phases of condensed matter systems. 

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:  

ILO 1

Classify different types of interatomic bonding and examine how crystal structures, symmetry, and diffraction principles influence material properties.

ILO 2

Apply Bloch's theorem and the tight-binding method to determine electron motion in periodic potentials and assess the effects of phonon interactions on electronic properties.

ILO 3

Apply the concepts of polarisability, dielectric function, and electromagnetic wave propagation to describe material responses in electric and optical fields.

ILO 4

Identify and compare different types of magnetic ordering within mean-field theory and evaluate the role of protected boundary states and gapless excitations in quantum phases of condensed matter.

The course consists of two one-hour live in-person lectures per week, during which core material will be presented along with relevant examples. Recordings of these lectures will be available on the course online page. To support learning, students will have access to brief summary notes and, where applicable, explanatory videos that should be reviewed prior to the lectures. In addition to the lectures, students will complete a weekly online quiz, providing instant feedback on their progress, and receive fortnightly problem sheets for further practice. A Piazza discussion forum is available for students to ask questions and engage in discussions, with responses provided by both peers and the unit lead. 

Charles Kittel Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th ed., Wiley, 2004.

Michael P. Marder Condensed Matter Physics, 2nd ed., Wiley, 2010.

B. Andrei Bernevig and Taylor L. Hughes Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors, Princeton University Press, 2013.