PHY3204 Solid State Physics

2007-2008

Code: PHY3204
Title: Solid State Physics
Instructors: Staff of Foreign Host Institution
CATS credits: 15
ECTS credits: 7.5
Availability: Physics programmes with study abroad only
Level: 3
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: Quantum Physics I (PHY2002), Fundamental Electromagnetism II (PHY2006) and Physics of Crystals (PHY2009)
Duration: As agreed
Directed Study Time: 45 lectures (approx)
Private Study Time: 105 hours (approx)
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Observation report: not applicable

Aims

This module will provide a basic introduction to the quantum aspects that determine the properties of macroscopic materials and forms the foundation for a variety of applications in Year 4.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• discuss the classification of solids in elementary terms;
• give a qualitative description of the Fermi surface in metals, the band structure of semiconductors and impurity states in semiconductors;
• compare and contrast the transport, optical and phonon properties of metals and semiconductors;
• describe the magnetic and optical properties of solids.

Discipline Specific Skills

• solve mathematical problems;
• study successfully within the system of an overseas university.

Personal and Key Skills

• manage their own learning and make appropriate use of support material.

Learning and Teaching Methods

These follow local practice at the host institution, typically lectures and/or directed self-study. Courses may also include laboratory exercises and homework problems.

Assignments

Follow host institution's conventions

Assessment

As specified by host institution, typically homework assignments and a final examination.

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Free-electron model
2. Nearly free-electron model
3. Band picture for classification of solids
4. Optical properties of semiconductors
5. Intrinsic and extrinsic conductors
6. Transport properties

Recommended Modules and Texts in Host Institution
 

Host Institution	Module	Text
Auckland	Physics 354 (S1)	C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Central Michigan	556 (Spring even years, Fall even years on request)	C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Iowa State	511 (Spring)	N. Ashcroft and D. Mermin, Solid State Physics
Kansas	781 (Fall odd years)	C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Massey	124.712 (S1 & S2)	TBA
New Mexico	430 (Spring even years)	K. Huang, Statistical Mechanics
Sydney	3979 (2)	C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Wollongong	396 (Spring)	S.O. Kasap, Principles of Electronic Materials and Devices

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Not applicable

Formative Mechanisms

Follows host institution's conventions.

Evaluation Mechanisms

In addition to using the host institution's systems, students can raise any matters of concern with the Stage 3 Study Abroad Co-ordinator.