Skip to main content

Module

PHY2037 : Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Materials & Solid State Physics (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Nikolaos Proukakis
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

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

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture91:009:00Synchronous On-Line Material
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion301:0030:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture91:009:00Present in person
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials361:0036:00Non-synchronous activities
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion181:0018:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00Office hour or discussion board activity
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study941:0094:00N/A
Total200:00
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. 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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A80Alternative assessment - class test
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M8N/A
Written exercise2M12N/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