Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2004 - 2005
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Module Title |
Solid State Physics
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Module Code |
PS204
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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| Module Co-ordinator | Prof. Colette McDonagh | Office Number | N145 |
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Level |
2
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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To Introduce the student to the structure of solids and diffraction techniques for structure determination. To provide a basic grounding in thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of solids.
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Learning Outcomes
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Understanding of the basic concepts of the structure of crystalline solids. Understanding of the free electron theory explanation of the electrical properties of metals. Understanding of the origin of magnetic properties of solids. From a consideration of the de Broglie wavelength of an electron moving through a solid being diffracted, an understanding of the origin of energy bands. The distinction between metals, semiconductors and insulators from a consideration of the Fermi level position in the band structure and an understanding of how this leads to different electrical conduction properties.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
30
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Tutorials |
0
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Laboratories |
6
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
39
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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STRUCTURE OF CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS:
Crystal structures.
Miller indices.
Bravais lattice.
X-ray diffraction techniques.
INTRODUCTION TO THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS
Specific heat and thermal conductivity.
Free Electron Theory of Metals.
Electrical conductivity.
Heat capacity.
thermal conductivity of metals.
INTRODUCTION TO BAND THEORY OF SOLIDS:
Origin of energy bands.
Metallic Fermi level.
Classical and quantum statistics.
Classification of solids according to band theory.
INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTORS:
Electronic properties of semiconductors.
Fermi level in semiconductors.
Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
Semiconductor conductivity.
INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS
Diamagnetism.
Paramagnetism.
Ferromagnetism.
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 25% | Examination Weight | 75% |
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Indicative Reading List
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Essential Text: 1. Elementary Solid State Physics by M. Ali Omar (Addison Wesley)
2. Elements of Solid State Physics by Rudden and Wilson (Wiley)
3. The Solid State by Rosenberg (OUP)
4. Introduction to Solid State Physics by Kittel (Wiley)
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
| PF | BSc in Physics with French |
| PG | BSc in Physics with German |
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