PHY2037 : Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Materials & Solid State Physics
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Nikolaos Proukakis
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To discuss mathematically the wave theory of matter by analysing the Schrodinger equation and introduce basic operator algebra and quantum-mechanical postulates.
To enhance the students' knowledge of materials and to strengthen their understanding of important material types (e.g. metals, semiconductors etc)
Outline Of Syllabus
Reminder of Preliminary concepts: de Broglie and Planck relations and the uncertainty principle; brief introduction to distribution functions. Schrodinger's equation and its solutions in an infinite- and finite-height box and in a harmonic oscillator potential; the correspondence principle and superposition states. The formal rules of quantum mechanics: basic postulates, operator algebra; the harmonic oscillator revisited. Open boundary problems, reflection and transmission coefficients. Basic introduction to the 3D Schrodinger equation.
What holds matter together?
Ionic and covalent bonding; Metallic bonding; Van der Walls and Hydrogen bonding.
Crystal structure:
Lattice vectors; Unit cell; Bravais Lattices; Reciprocal lattice.
Wave scattering by crystals:
Bragg; Plane spacing; X-Ray diffraction;
Charge transport in materials:
Ion diffusion via lattice defects; Electrons in metals: Drude and Sommerfeld theory.
Lattice vibrations:
1D monoatomic chains; 1D diatomic chains; phonons; phonon modes.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Non-synchronous activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Synchronous On-Line Material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Present in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Office hour or discussion board activity |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 94 | 1:00 | 94:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Present-in-person and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. Students who cannot attend a present-in-person session will be provided with an alternative activity allowing them to access the learning outcomes of that session. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | Alternative assessment - class test |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 10 | N/A |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 10 | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The course assessments will allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY2037's Timetable