Section outline

  • The "Condensed Matter Physics I" Course is given in the first term, for a total number of 48 hours (6 credits). It is compulsory for all the training tracks.
    The course will provide theoretical concepts fundamental to understanding the behaviour of electrons in crystals and the basic tools to treat them, both in problems solvable with classical methods and those requiring a quantum treatment. Main topics: models for non-interacting electrons; crystalline lattices and structures; independent electrons in a periodic potential (Bloch electrons) and energy bands; semiconductors; magnetism.

    Timetable:
    Lectures are generally planned in these slots:
    Tue., 11:00-13:00 - Aula B, Ed. C7
    Wed., 9:00-11:00 - Aula Ciamician, Ed. B
    Thu., 9:00-11:00 - Aula A, Ed. C2 (DEEI) (up to the end of October; then, this slot will be devoted to Field Theory I and Cond. Matt. Phys. I will be given only Tue and Wed)

    Students are kindly invited to check the announcements for possible changes/updates


    Textbooks:
    N. Ashcroft, N D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Saunders College (1976) (main text)
    G. Grosso and G. Pastori Parravicini, Solid State Physics, Elsevier
    C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley (1996).
    L. Mihaly e M.C. Martin, Solid State Physics: Problems and Solutions, Wiley (1996).

     

    Exams:

    The exam includes written & oral parts

    Written part: Two partial written tests are planned during the Course, on the first and on the second half of the program. The first one is planned for Wed 7 Nov., 9:00 (sharp!)-11:00, Aula Ciamician, Ed. B.

    Alternatively (if preferred, or if partial written tests not passed): final written test (2 dates in Jan/Feb 2018; 2 in June/July; 2 in September)

    The oral exam must be done immediately after the written test. Who pass successfully the partial written tests can afford the oral exam during the Jan/Feb session.

    Typically 2 - 3 hours available for the written tests. Books and lecture notes can be used during the written exams.