NFYA04021U Condensed Matter Physics 1 (CMP1)
BSc Programme in Nanoscience
BSc Programme in Physics
This course is a modern introduction to the fascinating world of condensed matter physics. We will build upon basic concepts from quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics to develop an understanding of the properties of real materials and electronic devices.
Some of the deep questions that we will address include: Why do some materials freely conduct electricity, while others are insulators? Why do metals feel cold to the touch? What holds the atoms together in a solid, and how do they arrange themselves? How does this arrangement affect the electronic and thermal properties of materials? How can we control the properties of semiconductors, and use these capabilities to create the building blocks for classical and quantum electronic devices?
The course will be an interactive mix between lectures, discussions, and exercises. Along the way we will apply the concepts that we learn to understand the properties of materials that are the subject of intense current interest for fundamental research and applications. Wherever possible we will make connections to ongoing research at NBI and in the field at large.
Skills:
It is expected from the student that he or she is able to:
- Describe various types of binding.
- Identify various crystal lattice structures, and to explain the concepts of reciprocal space and the Brillouin zone, along with their crucial roles in scattering and the thermal and electronic properties of solids.
- Discuss the importance of lattice vibrations (phonons) for the heat capacities of solids.
- Explain why electrons do not significantly contribute the specific heat of solids, but are responsible for the thermal conductivity of metals.
- Describe the electrical properties of simple metals on the basis of the free electron gas model.
- Derive models for the electronic band structure of solids and from the band structure be able to explain the differences between insulators, metals and semiconductors.
- Describe the electronic properties of semiconductors and how these can be modified.
- Describe how simple electronic components like transistors work
Knowledge:
The student should understand and be able to describe the
fundamental properties of solids. He/she should come away knowing
why some materials are insulators, and others are conductors, and
how to explain the properties of each in terms of the quantum
mechanics of atomic and electronic motion in a system with a
crystalline lattice.
Competences:
The course will give the student the basic knowledge and tools that
will enable him/her to understand and describe the fundamental
properties of solids, and to continue to more advanced courses in
the field.
Will be announced in Absalon
Students who have not taken these courses or equivalents should contact the instructor before signing up for the course to clarify what background knowledge will be expected.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 112
- Theory exercises
- 48
- Exam
- 4
- Total
- 206
As
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
- Type of assessment details
- The four-hour written exam counts for 100% of the final grade.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
All aids including books, notes and computer (without internet access)
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
Same as ordinary written 4 hour exam. If there are 10 students or less signed up for the re-exam, the re-exam will be a 25 minute oral exam, with no preparation time.
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcomes.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYA04021U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Per Hedegård (hedegard@nbi.ku.dk)