Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Solid State Physics I
Module Code	PS204
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Martin Henry Semester 2: Martin Henry Autumn: Martin Henry
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To introduce the student to the structure of crystalline solids and diffraction techniques for structure determination. To provide an understanding of bonding in solids. To introduce the student to the concept of band structure. To provide a basic grounding in thermal, electrical optical and magnetic properties of solids.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the different types of bonding in solids.
2. Explain the concepts of unit cell, basis lattice and crystal structure.
3. Discuss experimental methods to determine crystal structure and perform crystal structure calculations.
4. Describe and explain the Drude and Free Electron Models of conduction in solids.
5. Describe the basic thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic and superconducting properties of solids.
6. Apply physical principles to solve numerical problems based on the physical properties of solids.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	No Description
Total Workload: 36

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

CHEMICAL BONDING IN SOLIDS :.
Ionic, covalent hydrogen and metallic bonding..

STRUCTURE OF CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS:.
Crystal structures. Miller indices. Bravais lattice. X-ray diffraction techniques..

THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS.
Specific heat and thermal conductivity. Free Electron Theory of Metals. Electrical conductivity. Heat capacity. thermal conductivity of metals. `.

ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF METALS, CLASSICAL APPROACH:.
Drude Model, Conductivity, Hall effect, Plasma Resonance. Wiedemann Franz Law. Failure of Drude Model.

ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF METALS, QUANTUM APPROACH:.
Origin of energy bands. Metallic Fermi level. Classical and quantum statistics. Classification of solids according to band theory..

MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS.
Diamagnetism. Pauli and Curie Paramagnetism. Curie's Law, Ferromagnetism, Magnetic Domains..

INTRODUCTION TO SUPERCONDUCTIVITY:.
Zero Resistivity, The Meissner Effect, The Isotope Effect, Type I and Type II superconductors, BCS Theory, Cooper Pairs, superconducting band gap.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List