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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title Solid State Physics I
Module Code PS204
School School of Physical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf Martin HenryOffice Number
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

To introduce the student to the structure of crystalline solids and diffraction techniques for structure determination. To provide an understanding of bonding in solids. To introduce the student to the concept of band structure. To provide a basic grounding in thermal, electrical optical and magnetic properties of solids.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the different types of bonding in solids.
2. Explain the concepts of unit cell, basis lattice and crystal structure.
3. Discuss experimental methods to determine crystal structure and perform crystal structure calculations.
4. Describe and explain the Drude and Free Electron Models of conduction in solids.
5. Describe the basic thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic and superconducting properties of solids.
6. Apply physical principles to solve numerical problems based on the physical properties of solids.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36No Description
Total Workload: 36

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

CHEMICAL BONDING IN SOLIDS :
Ionic, covalent hydrogen and metallic bonding.

STRUCTURE OF CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS:
Crystal structures. Miller indices. Bravais lattice. X-ray diffraction techniques.

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.

MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS
Diamagnetism. Pauli and Curie Paramagnetism. Curie's Law, Ferromagnetism, Magnetic Domains.

INTRODUCTION TO SUPERCONDUCTIVITY:
Zero Resistivity, The Meissner Effect, The Isotope Effect, Type I and Type II superconductors, BCS Theory, Cooper Pairs, superconducting band gap

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment20% Examination Weight80%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • R. Turton: 0, The Physics of Solids,, Oxford University Press,
  • Rosenberg: 0, The Solid State, Oxford University Press,
  • M. Ali Omar: 0, Elementary Solid State Physics, Addison Wesley,
  • Rudden and Wilson: 0, Elements of Solid State Physics, Wiley,
  • C. Kittel: 0, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley,
  • Hook and Hall: 0, Solid State Physics, Wiley,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
APBSc in Applied Physics
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESAStudy Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAOStudy Abroad (Institute of Education)
PBMBSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
PHABSc in Physics with Astronomy
SEBSc Science Education
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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