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Module Specifications

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

Module Title Solid State Physics
Module Code PS402
School School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Tony Cafolla
Semester 2: Tony Cafolla
Autumn: Tony Cafolla
Module TeacherTony Cafolla
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of the principal topics in solid state physics. They will also gain experience in relating the topics in the course to recent published research. The course is mainly knowledge-based but the research paper assignment will provide library/database skills as oral presentation skills. Other learning activities include solving numerical problems related to the topics covered.

Learning Outcomes
1. • Outline and discuss the main topics in solid state physics
2. • Identify concepts and/or physical principles which are common across one or more topics
3. • Relate the physical principles to topics covered in other modules
4. • Apply physical principles and relevant equations in solving numerical problems.
5. • Source research papers on a particular topic and summarise the work presented
6. • Demonstrate oral communication skills



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture303 lectures per week
Tutorial6tutorial every second week
Assignment10sourcing and summarising a research paper on a solid state physics topic
Independent learning150studying lecture material, solving numerical problems and doing background reading
Total Workload: 196

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
The Structure of Materials will introduce the concepts of space lattice, unit cells, crystal systems; Miller Indices and the reciprocal lattice. The determination of crystal structure by X-ray and Neutron diffraction..
WAVES IN SOLIDS.

Introduce the concept of a wave propagating in a lattice, apply this concept to x-ray diffraction and lattice vibrations. Phonon heat capacity. Phonon thermal conductivity..
INTRODUCTORY BAND THEORY OF SOLIDS.

ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES.
Temperature and frequency dependence of the electrical conductivity. Matthiessen's Rule. Magnitoresistance and the Hall effect. The Kondo Effect..

THERMAL PROPERTIES.
Phonons and lattice vibrations. Temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity. Thermoelectric effects..

OPTICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES.
Learning activities.

Students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials and to prepare for both by appropriate study. This will include using books and online moodle and other resources. Students will perform literature searches to identify a research paper on a chosen topic which is related to the course and will summarise this paper and prepare and deliver a powerpoint presentation..
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment20% Examination Weight80%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Oral presentationsThe student will be asked to choose a topic related to the course and to select, summarise and to prepare an oral presentation on a recent article/review article on this topic20%Week 8
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 1
Indicative Reading List
  • M. Ali Omar: 0, Introductory Solid State Physics,
  • A. M. Fox: 0, Optical Properties of Solids, Oxford University Press,
  • J. Singleton: 0, Band Theory and Electronic Properties of Solids, Oxford University Press,
  • M. T. Dove: 0, Structure and Dynamics, Oxford University Press,
  • H. M. Rosenberg: 0, The Solid State,
  • J.R. Hook and H.E. Hall: 0, Introductory Solid State Physics,
  • C. Kittel: 0, Introduction to Solid State Physics,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
APBSc in Applied Physics
Timetable this semester: Timetable for PS402
Date of Last Revision23-JUN-08
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