Learning objectives
Properties of condensed matter are extremely varied and often surprising. The student will gain knowledge of the main phenomena and their explanation. Concepts and methods introduced by previous courses (classical physics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics) will be employed to quantitatively describe crucial the solid properties. Learning to solve problems implies analysing each of them and selecting the appropriate method, as well as being able to communicate the essential results.
Prerequisites
The student must be familiar with classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, althoug there is no explicit formal requisite for any of the corresponding exams.
Course unit content
Molecules
Solid State Physics
Full programme
The extended program coincides roughly with the book contents.
Molecules (2 lectures + 1 exercise sessision) will be treated as soon as the Quantum Mechanics course has completed the part on atoms, together with the discussion of chemical bond in solids. Additional resources are provided for superconductivity (2 lectures + 1 exercise sessision).
The detailed program is also available on last year's elly web site https://elly2023.smfi.unipr.it/course/view.php?id=19
Bibliography
* Steven H Simon The Oxford Solid State Basics OUP 2013
Further readings
* Nicola Mannini, Introduction to the Physics of Matter, Basic Atomic, Molecular, and Solid-State Physics Ed. Springer (2020)
* Neil W Ashcroft e N David Mermin Solid State Physics Ed. Holt-Sanders (2003)
Additional material provided by the lecturer on Molecules, Superconductors
Teaching methods
Lectures, homeworks and exercises.
Exercises are directed at applying methods and understanding developed in the front lectures, and at making critical judgements upon their application. Lecture slides, problems and additional materials is provided on the Elly moodle pages within the date of each lecture. Six homeworks are individually marked. The main textbook is indicated below. The course follows it quite closely.
Assessment methods and criteria
Homeworks will be marked (0-30).
Two written papers during the year will be graded similarly according to a published grid.
The final marks will be the average of the three. An oral examination (marked 0-30) can replace one failed paper, and consists in the discussion of equivalent problems. The final marks will be the average of the passed tests and of the mean paper marks.
Other information
Further details on elly2023.smfi.unipr.it
Lectures and problem solving sessions are in presence. Additional video material will be made available.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Some of the solid state materials described in this corse are crucial for developing new sustainable technologies.
