Syllabus for Solid State Physics I

Learning outcomes

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

• explain the basic concepts that are used to describe the structure and physical properties of crystalline substances,
• use physical models to perform calculations of the properties of solids,
• give an overview of an application related to the physical phenomena treated in the course.

Content

Building blocks of crystals: Bravais lattices, crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones.

Diffraction: Theory and experimental methods.

Lattice dynamics: Phonons, density of states, specific heat, thermal conductivity.

Electron theory: Free electron model, elementary band theory, metals, semiconductors, electrical conductivity.

Laboratory work: Lattice vibrations and thermal properties, Electronic band structure, semiconductors.

Instruction

Lectures (including guest lectures), lessons and laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Oral presentation of laboratory work (1 credit).

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.