Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering with Quantum Physics I/F or Introduction to Materials Science (10 credits). Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

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

• Argue using general physics concepts and analyse physical phenomena of relevance within the field of nanosciences.
• Describe and predict changes of material properties that are induced by finite-size effects.
• Choose appropriate tools for measurements of relevant physical properties.
• Critically assess and present scientific results.

Content

Effects arising from finite size effects in the electronic structure of materials, manifested in for example changes in magnetic properties, electric conductivity and generally coupling of electronic states to applied electromagnetic fields. Finite size scaling, dimensionality aspects of phase transitions, giant magnetoresistance, magnetic and non-magnetic tunnel junctions. Two-dimensional conductivity in materials such as transition metals and carbon based structures (graphene, fullerenes and nanotubes) as well as two-dimensional materials.

Experimental and theoretical exercises, focusing on the influence of dimensionality and size on the obtained material properties.

Research ethics, scientific terminology, written and oral scientific communication, as well as visualization of results using figures and tables.

Instruction

Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and project studies.

Assessment

Oral presentations and written reports of project studies and laboratory exersices.

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.