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Module Specifications

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

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherJim Conway
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to fundamental concepts associated with the properties of solid state materials. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills relating to quantum mechanics, solid state physics, properties of materials with emphasis on the electrical characteristics of the materials, and the effects materials processing has on these properties. Emphasis will be placed on materials used in the semiconducting industry.Students are expected to access all course material online, participate in online discussion groups where they can discuss the course material and set problems relating to the course material, and participate in various learning activities and continuous assessment tasks on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the basics principles of Quantum mechanics.
2. Describe the solid state and crystalline structure in terms of atomic structure and molecular bonding.
3. Discuss the Drude model of conduction in solids.
4. Relate the band theory of conduction to the electrical properties of insulators, conductors and semiconductors.
5. Constrast P and N doped materials and explain the operation of a PN junction.
6. Understand the structure and physical properties of ceramics, polymers and metals.
7. Solve applied problems, identifying the key physics principles involved and performing relavent numerical calculations.
8. Discuss the key topics and applications with their colleagues.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Total Workload: 0

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
indicative syllabus.
Basic Quantum mechanics. Atomic structure. Nature of atomic bonding. The Solid State. Crystal structure. Drude conduction model. Band theory. Density of states function. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Electrical properties of materials: Metals, semiconductors and insulators. Magnetic properties of materials. Ceramic materials. Polymers. Growth methods/Deposition. Electrical properties of materials. PN Junctions. Metallic multi-layers. Thermal properties of materials. Diffusion in solids..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Computerised test/examOnline quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.8%Week 3
EssayAssignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.8%Week 4
Computerised test/examOnline quiz based in multichoice, matching, short answers and numerical calculation problems.9%Week 6
EssayAssignment consisting of definition, essay and numerical problems solving.9%Week 6
Oral presentationsOn-line discussion forum.16%Every Week
Seen examinationWritten test involving essay and calcuation type problems based on all course material.50%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
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