University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to students on a programme in the School of Physics & Astronomy.

Planned timetable: 11.00 am odd Mon, 4.00 pm even Fri, 11.00 am Wed & Fri

This module builds on concepts taught in Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (PH4039) to introduce more advanced theoretical concepts and lay the foundations required to understand the challenges in current research in condensed matter physics. Topics covered in this module include advanced techniques for band-structure determination, superconductivity and magnetism as well as the physics of semiconductor electronics. The module will further prepare students for more independent learning. The module will be 100% continuously assessed, including a journal club presentation, problem sheets and computational problems to serve as an introduction to advanced modelling and data analysis in condensed matter physics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must take PH3061 and ( take PH3080 or take PH3082 ) and take PH4039

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures or tutorials (x 11 weeks), 1 computing hour

Scheduled learning hours: 41

Guided independent study hours: 109

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Oral Examination = 30%, Coursework (computing project - 40%, Journal Club presentation 30%) = 70%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 60%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: Oral Examination = 100% -Re-Aassessment grade capped at 7

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor G P Wahl
Module teaching staff: Prof P Wahl, Dr A Di Falco, Cr B Braunecker, Prof P King
Module coordinator email gpw2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Additional information from school

 

This module lays the foundations required to understand the challenges in current research in condensed matter physics. Topics covered in this module include advanced techniques for band-structure determination, superconductivity and magnetism as well as the physics of semiconductor electronics.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

• an understanding of the topics covered in the module
• acquiring a variety of problem solving techniques that are used in modern research
• an understanding of advanced phenomena in solid state physics
• undertaking a literature search
• basic skills in numerical modelling of physics problems
• using a numerical model to understand the physics of a particular problem

 

Synopsis

 

There will be 4 whole class tutorials and 27 lectures. The lectures will cover the following topics, each bullet point corresponds roughly to 3 lectures. They will be accompanied by computational problems designed to explore the physics discussed in class numerically.

• second quantization, tight-binding model, band theory
• electronic transport, p-n junctions
• diode, LED, solar cell
• Mott insulators, Mott-Hubbard Hamiltonian, origin of magnetic Hamiltonians
• itinerant versus localised description of magnetism, mean field theory of magnetic order
• Landau theory of magnetic phase transitions
• superconductivity, London equation
• Ginzburg-Landau theory, BCS theory
• superconducting gap, isotope effect

 

Additional information on continuous assessment etc.

 

 

Recommended Books

 

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph4044.html

 

General information

 

Please also read the general information in the School's honours handbook that is available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php.