371 PHYS
The main course objective is to provide sufficient background for the understanding of fundamental phenomena in solid state materials.
Mathematical description of periodic arrays and the concept of reciprocal space are introduced, and lattice vibrations are discussed. Emphasis is placed on how such bonding affects whether the resulting material will be a metal, an insulator or a semiconductor. Thermal properties of Solids and Free Electron (Fermi gas) model is also discussed.
Prerequisites courses:
Modern Physics (PHYS 353)
Course Objectives:
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to:
- explain the basic concepts of the structural and physical properties of materials
- recognize the main theories and laws of solid state physics
- specify the applications of different materials.
Expectations
On average, most students spend eight to ten hours per week working on course assignments. Your workload may be more or less depending on your study habit.
Required textbook:
- An Introduction to Solid States Physic, 8th edition C. Kittle
- The Oxford solid state basics Steven H. and Simon.
Assignments
This course will rely on a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:
Participation
Interactive activities within the course pages. See the instructor if you cannot figure out the right answer.
Homework
There are 6 homework assignments. Your homework solutions will need to be scanned and uploaded to Canvas as a PDF file. The submission window for the respective homework will be closed 24 hours after the due date.
Quizzes
The day after homework solutions are submitted, an online quiz will be made available. You must participate in the online quiz to receive full credit for the homework submission. The outcome of the quiz depends on the successful completion of the homework. Both assignments are tied together serve as an important feedback to ensure learning success. The quiz is on time and cannot be completed if you have not worked and understood the homework problems. For the online quizzes, you are only allowed to use your own homework solution that has been previously submitted to Canvas. This quiz is a closed book assessment. No other resources other than a pocket calculator are allowed to be used in order to answer the quiz questions.
Midterm
There will be a timed 2 (60 minutes) exams.
Final Exam
There will be a timed (180 minutes) exam.
Grading
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Homework | 5% |
| Participation | 5% |
| Midterms | 40% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
Late Policy
I do not accept any "late work" outside the "24 hours after the due date" rule. If exceptional circumstances apply you should contact me as soon as possible. The earlier you contact me to request a late submission, the better. Requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Generally, late assignments will be assessed a penalty of at least 10% and will not be accepted more than one week after the original due date.