6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Physics and Astronomy
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit consists of four 6-lecture sub-units and laboratory work. Key areas are:
- Condensed Matter Physics: real and reciprocal space lattices, classical and quantum models of atomic vibration in crystals, the basic theory for the behaviour of electrons and phonons in solid crystalline materials, Bloch's theorem and band theory, phonons, electronic properties of semiconductors, superconductivity, superfluidity, low dimensional materials, quasi-periodic and amorphous solids.
- Spectroscopy: and quantum scattering theory, fundamentals of diffraction for X-rays, electrons and neutrons, diffraction from crystals and amorphous materials.
- Laboratory work: experimental laboratory work on relevant topics.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Describe concepts and perform calculations in Scattering Theory, which involves light and matter waves, and the scattering of X-ray, neutrons and electrons.
- Describe concepts and perform calculations in Spectroscopy, which include interactions of photons and particles with matter, absorption and scattering cross-sections, elastic and inelastic scattering.
- Describe concepts and perform calculations in Condensed Matter Physics, which involve crystal structures in 1D, 2D and 3D, quasicrystals, phonons, metals, nanomaterials, superfluidity and superconductivity.
- Perform measurements and analysis on experiments that demonstrate the theoretical physics described in this and other physics units.
- Produce experimental reports that present results, analyse and discuss the implications and outcomes of experimental work.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours): 46% + Laboratory work: 34% + Assignments: 20% + Hurdle requirement: Students must achieve a pass mark in the practical component to achieve an overall pass grade.
Workload requirements
- Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week
- An average of two hours in the laboratory per week
- Seven hours of independent study per week
See also Unit timetable information