Degree | Type | Year |
---|---|---|
Physics | OT | 4 |
You can view this information at the end of this document.
It is highly recommended to have basic notions of Quantum Physics and Thermodynamics.
This course deals with the study of some fundamental properties of the solid materials.
The interaction of two particles or one particle in an external potential is usually studied. In the real world there are almost never two particles, it is much more complex, there are many particles (on the order of Avogadro's number). But most of the things we handle are solid: mechanical tools, motors, radio, TV, mobile, etc.
Although in principle, it would be enough to study these properties from the wave function solution of eq. Schrödinger, due to the high number of particles it is impossible and it is necessary to make approximations.
Solid State Physics is a very extensive subject, impossible to deal with in a subject of 6 credits, therefore, only the most basic properties of crystalline solids will be studied. They are fundamental for later studies or in many branches of research.
Topic 1: Crystal Lattices
Crystal structure and classification
Direct lattices and unit cells
Reciprocal lattices and their relation to the direct lattice
Topic 2: Diffraction
Principles of wave diffraction in crystal lattices
Bragg’s conditions and X-ray diffraction
Interpretation of diffraction patterns
Topic 3: Cohesion
Forces holding atoms together in a crystal
Noble gas crystals and ionic crystals
Cohesive energy and stability of crystal structures
Topic 4: Phonons. Classical Theory
Vibrations in crystals and normal modes
Phonons as quanta of crystal vibrations
Classical theory of the harmonic oscillator
Topic 5: Phonons. Quantum Theory and Thermal Properties
Quantum treatment of phonons
Heat capacity and thermal conduction in crystals
Bose-Einstein distribution and phonon statistics
Topic 6: Free Electrons. Drude and Sommerfeld Models
Drude’s classical model for electrons in metals
Introduction to Sommerfeld’s quantum theory
Free electron Fermi gas and electrical properties
Topic 7: Electrons in Periodic Potentials. Bloch Functions and Energy Bands
Periodic potential and Schrödinger equation solutions
Bloch functions and basic concepts of band theory
Origin of allowed and forbidden bands
Topic 8: Semiconductors
Band structure in semiconductors
Charge carriers: electrons and holes
Basic electrical and optoelectronic properties
Topic 9: Superconductors
Main characteristics of superconductors
Superconducting phase transition
Basic models of superconductivity (overview only)
Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|
Type: Directed | |||
Problem sessions | 16 | 0.64 | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 11, 10, 14, 15, 12 |
Theoretical sessions | 32.75 | 1.31 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 11, 10, 14, 15, 12 |
Type: Supervised | |||
survey of the subject | 0.25 | 0.01 | 8, 13 |
Type: Autonomous | |||
Individual or group work | 86 | 3.44 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 11, 10, 14, 15, 12 |
In the theoretical sessions, the basic lines will be explained so that the student can work the subject in an efficient way, either individually or in groups.
In the problem classes, the difficulties encountered by the students when solving the exercises proposed will be solved.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
First part test | 35% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 11, 10, 14, 15, 12 |
Moodle short tests | 30% | 10 | 0.4 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 11, 10, 14, 12 |
Second part test | 35% | 2.5 | 0.1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, 11, 10, 15, 12 |
Continuous Assessment
First partial exam covering the content studied up to that point: 35% of the final grade.
Submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes related to the course material: 30% of the final grade.
Second partial exam covering all the content of the course related to the topics in the second half of the term: 35% of the final grade.
To be able to average and compute all activities, the student must obtain a minimum grade of 3.0 in each of the evaluable parts.
Furthermore, to pass the course, the weighted average of the three activities must be at least 5.0.
The recovery exam will consist of two parts, corresponding to each of the partial exams taken. The student will only have to retake the part in which they obtained less than a 3.0. The submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes is not recoverable.
Students who have not participated in any of the partial exams, recovery exams, or the submission of practical assignments and quizzes will receive a final grade of "Not Evaluable."
There will be no grade improvement exam for students who have already passed the course.
Single Assessment
Students who have opted for the single assessment modality must take a final exam consisting of:
First partial exam covering the content studied up to that point: 35% of the final grade.
Second partial exam covering all the content of the course related to the topics in the second half of the term: 35% of the final grade.
Submission of practical assignments and Moodle quizzes completed during the course (30% of the final grade).
These exams will take place on the same day, time, and place as the second partial exams of the continuous assessment modality.
To be able to average, the student must obtain at least a 3.0 in each part, and to pass the course, the weighted average of the three activities must be at least 5.0 out of 10.
If the final grade does not reach 5, the student will have another opportunity to pass the course through a recovery exam, which will be held on the date set by the degree coordination. In this exam, it will be possible to recover 70% of the grade corresponding to the partial exams. The part corresponding to practical assignments and quizzes is not recoverable.
Basic
Theory
Problems
Avanced
J. Callaway, Quantum Theory of the Solid State. (Academic Press, Inc. 2on edition, 1991). ISBN 0-12-155203-9
No special program is used.
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
---|---|---|---|---|
(PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
(TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |