PHY3204 Solid State Physics

1999-2000

Code: PHY3204
Title: Solid State Physics
Instructors: Staff of Foreign Host Institution
HE credits: 15
ECTS credits: 7.5
Availability: programmes F3Q4 and F3QK only
Level: 3
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Background Assumed: Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2202), Electromagnetic Fields (PHY2206) and Structure of Solids (PHY2209)
Duration: Fall or Spring semester
Directed Study: 45 lectures (approx)
Private Study: 105 hours (approx)
Supports Programme Aims: 1, 5, 6 and 12
Supports Programme Objectives: none

Assessment Methods

Mid-semester papers (1 hr) and a final examination (3 hrs)

Rationale

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 will be able to:

• 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;
• discribe the magnetic and optical properties of solids.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures and problems sessions

Transferable Skills

Not applicable

Assignments

Follow host institution's conventions

Module Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Reading

Not applicable

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
7. Magnetic properties

Recommended Module and Text in North America

Host Institution	Module	Text
Central Michigan	556 (Fall)	C Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Iowa State
Kansas	781 (Fall)	N Ashcroft and D Mermin, Solid State Physics
New Mexico	430 (Spring)	K Huang, Statistical Mechanics

Feedback to Students

Follows host institution's conventions

Feedback from Students

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