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PHY-20026 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 18 September 2024

PHY-20026 - Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Coordinator: John Taylor Tel: +44 1782 7 33494
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ Level 4 Physics or Astrophysics
OR
Registration on FHEQ Level 5 of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

You will be introduced to lattice vibrations, the determination of crystalline structure, and the techniques for describing the properties of large ensembles of particles. You will study the mathematical descriptions of particles and states including Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics. The applications of these to the thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of solids will be covered.

Aims
This module aims to introduce the students to statistical mechanics and to solid-state physics and to give them the skills and understanding to solve problems and make applications in these areas. Solid-state physics is a fundamental science underpinning much of the modern world, from materials engineering to the central processing units that form the heart of all computers. Statistical mechanics is the method used to propagate our understanding of microscopic and atomic phenomena to the human scale, and is required to explain many concepts in solid-state physics.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-20026/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the importance of and calculate the effects of lattice vibrations in determining the properties of solids: 1,2
explain the classical and quantum models for free electrons in solids: 1,2
explain the origin of energy bands in solids: 1,2
explain the origin of the magnetic properties of solids: 1,2
describe the statistical treatment of large ensembles of particles: 1,2
apply the Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions to the properties of solids: 1,2
use appropriate mathematical techniques to solve physical problems: 1,2,3
explain crystal structure and calculate properties of solids using the mathematical description of lattices.: 1,2,3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
32 hours of lectures
15.5 hours problem classes
2.5 hour unseen examination on Solid State Physics and Statistical Mechanics
1 hour unseen class test on Mathematics
Independent Study Hours:
20 hours on solving problem sheets
79 hours examination revision/preparation and private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 60%
Unseen written examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of compulsory short questions and long questions with a degree of choice.

2: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem sheets
Students complete a number of problem sheets. Equivalent to ~1000 words.

3: Class Test weighted 20%
1-hour class test on Mathematics
1-hour class test on Mathematical material.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 18 September 2024