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Research School of Physics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
New materials enable new technologies and many practicing physicists in academia and industry work in this fundamental area of physics. This course aims to establish fundamental concepts in solid-state physics, and applies the physics learned previously (in particular quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics) to macroscopic 'real-world' materials. The structure and properties of solids including thermal, electrical and magnetic properties are described and the electron theory of solids is developed and applied to explain the physical properties of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics and superconductors. Students will practice solving theoretical problems in condensed matter physics in tutorials and further develop their understanding of the topics by completing the assignments and quizzes. Students will also perform practical laboratory sessions to learn some of the key analytical techniques in solid-state physics. The results from these laboratory sessions will be analysed and written up in laboratory reports to practice critical analysis and communication of experimental investigations. HPO: Students can opt-in to the HPO through sign-up in Wattle by Friday Week 3. The HPO is 15% of your final grade, and will amount to be around an extra 15 hours of work across the teaching period, the remaining assessment will be weighted at 85%. Refer to 'Other information' for more detail.
Examination
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
Assignments
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Laboratory reports and logbook
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5
Quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of , a 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week, a 2 hour workshop per week and 6 x 3 hour laboratory sessions accross the semester. - Self-paced online lectures (approximately 2 hours per week) - Approximately 52 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Other Information HPO: The Honours Pathway Option will involve a literature review of a special topic in solid state physics. Assessment will be writing a 2-3 page review and giving a 15 min oral presentation about the topic. The topic will be agreed upon with the course convenor and can include a particular analytical technique, or recent advance in solid state physics or a more in depth review of a particular topic. HPO is 15% of your final grade, and will amount to be around an extra 15 hours of work across the teaching period, the remaining assessment will be weighted at 85%. Students undertaking the HPO will engage particularly with Learning Outcomes 3 and 5.
Not applicable Preliminary Reading Indicative reading: Simon, S. Oxford Solid State Basics Hoffman, P. Solid State Physics