Module: Materials Science

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Materials Science
Module Code	PVS202 (ITS) / PHY1085 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to fundamental concepts associated with the properties of solid state materials. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills relating to quantum mechanics, solid state physics, properties of materials with emphasis on the electrical characteristics of the materials, and the effects materials processing has on these properties. Emphasis will be placed on materials used in the semiconducting industry. Students are expected to access all course material online, participate in online discussion groups where they can discuss the course material and set problems relating to the course material, and participate in various learning activities and continuous assessment tasks on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the basics principles of Quantum mechanics.
2. Describe the solid state and crystalline structure in terms of atomic structure and molecular bonding.
3. Discuss the Drude model of conduction in solids.
4. Relate the band theory of conduction to the electrical properties of insulators, conductors and semiconductors.
5. Constrast P and N doped materials and explain the operation of a PN junction.
6. Understand the structure and physical properties of ceramics, polymers and metals.
7. Solve applied problems, identifying the key physics principles involved and performing relavent numerical calculations.
8. Discuss the key topics and applications with their colleagues.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

indicative syllabus
Basic Quantum mechanics. Atomic structure. Nature of atomic bonding. The Solid State. Crystal structure. Drude conduction model. Band theory. Density of states function. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Electrical properties of materials: Metals, semiconductors and insulators. Magnetic properties of materials. Ceramic materials. Polymers. Growth methods/Deposition. Electrical properties of materials. PN Junctions. Metallic multi-layers. Thermal properties of materials. Diffusion in solids.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Exam	Online quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.	8%	Week 3
Essay	Assignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.	8%	Week 4
Loop Exam	Online quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.	9%	Week 6
Essay	Assignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.	9%	Week 6
Oral Examination	On-line discussion forum.	16%	Every Week
In Class Test	Written test involving essay and calcuation type problems based on all course material.	50%	Week 8

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category -

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources