Entry requirements

Quantum Physics, Solid state Physics or similar.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• handle the basic concepts within density functional theory and apply this theory to describe material properties
• account for differences between pseudopotential methods and tight-binding methods, and analyse material groups where the different methods have their strengths respective weaknesses
• describe general trends concerning chemical binding and structural formation of materials in solid and molecular form
• explain basic differences between the different forms of chemical binding that is relevant to different materials and group materials according to the most important types of chemical binding.

Content

Basic part in chemical binding in molecular systems and solid materials are described. This implies a theoretical description of the electron structure of these systems, both with pseudopotential methods and so called tight-binding methods. Relations between electron structures and structural properties are in detail described, for example the structure stability theorem and the development of moments.. Basic concepts within the density functional theory are also treated. Strong emphasis is put on a strong connection between observed trends in chemical binding in the periodic system with the theoretical models that are described in the course.

Instruction

Lectures and lesson exercises.

Assessment

Written assignments where 4 of 8 problem-solvings should be approved for the grade 3, 6 of 8 problem-solvings should be approved for the grade 4, and 7 of 8 problem-solvings should be approved for the grade 5. Assignments written in English.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.