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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title	Solid State Physics I
Module Code	PS204
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Tony Cafolla	Office Number	N141
Level	2	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

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.

Learning Outcomes

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. Simple introduction to magnetism and superconductivity.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	6
Laboratories
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	45

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

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.

Indicative Syllabus

CHEMICAL BONDING IN SOLIDS Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
STRUCTURE OF CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS Crystal structures. Miller indices. Bravais lattice. X-ray diffraction techniques.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, Bulk Modulus, elastic and plastic deformation.
INTRODUCTION TO THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS Specific heat and thermal conductivity. Free Electron Theory of Metals. Electrical conductivity. Heat capacity. thermal conductivity of metals.
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF METALS, CLASSICAL APPROACH Drude Model, Conductivity, Hall effect, Plasma Resonance. Wiedemann Franz Law. Failure of Drude Model
ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF METALS, QUANTUM APPROACH 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.
INTRODUCTION TO SUPERCONDUCTIVITY Zero Resistivity, The Meissner Effect, The Isotope Effect

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Indicative Reading List

Essential Text:
The Physics of Solids, Richard Turton, (Oxford University Press)

Supplementary:

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).
5. Solid State Physics, Hook and Hall, (Wiley).

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Applied Physics

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)