PHYS 4P70 - Condensed Matter Physics I
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Lectures: Tue Thurs 10:30-12:00, TH254, starting Sept.4, 2025.
[Check Timetable]
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This course uses Brightspace primarily
to accept your completed homework and lab reports.
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Be sure to review this statement on academic integrity
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To help you plan, the important dates of the current academic year are listed here.
What Brock calendar entry says:
- Crystal Structure and crystal Binding; the vibration of atoms in solids and the thermodynamics of solids; introduction to the transport properties of solids
What do I need to bring into the course?
- Prerequisites: PHYS 3P41 (Statistical Physics I), PHYS 3P70 (Intro to Quantum Mechanics)
Course Goals
- to use the four main areas of physics (classical, quantum and statistical mechanics and electromagnetic theory) to understand solid state materials
- to survey some of the main ideas and experimental techniques in condensed matter physics;
- to gain experience in problem solving;
Textbook - Free access available through Brock library
- The Oxford Book of Solid State Physics, by Steven H. Simon. Oxford University Press. 2013
Component |
% of the final mark |
Notes |
Mobius Quizzes |
10% |
Answer questions based on online lectures and reading in mobius platform. Must be completed by night before lecture. |
Class Participation |
10% |
Attending Lecture, submitting thoughtful questions before lectures, participating in
discussions and problem solving |
Homework |
20% |
Problem sets, every week. Available on Brightspace. No late assignments accepted. |
Test 1 |
15% |
An in-class test, date TBA. Only a calculator and one letter-size (one-sided) self-prepared formula sheet allowed; no complete solutions. |
Test 2 |
15% |
An in-class test, date TBA. Only a calculator and one letter-size (one-sided) self-prepared formula sheet allowed; no complete solutions. |
Final exam |
30% |
Minimum passing grade 50%, marks given for correct answers. Only a calculator and one letter-size (one-sided) self-prepared formula sheet allowed; no complete solutions. |
This is an approximate list, based on previous experience. As the course progresses, some of topics
may be removed and some others may get added.
- Crystal Structure
- Bonding
- Lattice Vibrations
- Thermodynamics of Solids
- Transport Properties
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