FYSS5301 Condensed Matter Physics, part A (4 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

  • Bonding in solids

  • lattice types, amorphous materials

  • Reciprocal lattice, diffraction

  • Introduction to elasticity and acoustic waves

  • Electron density and electronic heat capacity

  • Bloch’s theorem, band structure

  • semiconductors

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to

  • describe the main bonding mechanisms is solids

  • know the concept of a lattice and the most important lattice types and the difference between crystalline and amorphous materials

  • explain the concept of reciprocal lattice, and use it in solving diffraction problems

  • understand the basic concepts of elasticity theory and acoustic waves

  • solve the phonon dispersion relations of the simplest lattices

  • understand the concept of the free-electron model and to use it to calculate electron density and heat capacity

  • explain Bloch's theorem and tell how it determines the band structure

  • describe the basic principles of semiconductors

  • solve simple problems of condensed matter physics 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2030 and FYSA2032 Quantum Mechanics, parts A&B or equivalent

  • FYSA2040 and FYSA2042 Statistical Physics, parts A&B or equivalent 

Literature

  • S. Elliott: The physics and chemistry of solids, Wiley 1998, ISBN-13 978-0-471-98195-4.
  • C. Kittel: Introduction to Solid State Physics 8th Edition, Wiley 2005, ISBN-13: 978-0471415268.
  • H. Ibach and H. Luth: Solid-State Physics: An Introduction to Principles of Materials Science, Springer 2009, ISBN 978-3-540-93804-0.

Completion methods

Method 1

Time of teaching:
Period 1
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom alternative methods are not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Time of teaching:
Period 1
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (4 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Total points from course elements (for example 40 % assignments, 60 % final exam).</p>
Language:
English
Study methods:

Lectures, assignments, final exam

Teaching

x

Independent study (4 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Total points from course elements (for example 40 % assignments, 30 % 1. midterm exam, 30 % 2. midterm exam).</p>
Language:
English
Study methods:

Assignments, project work and oral examination.  

Teaching