Condensed Matter Physics 1 (CMP1)
Course content
This course is a modern introduction to the fascinating world of condensed matter physics. We will build upon basic concepts from quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics to develop an understanding of the properties of real materials and electronic devices.
Some of the deep questions that we will address include: Why do some materials freely conduct electricity, while others are insulators? Why do metals feel cold to the touch? What holds the atoms together in a solid, and how do they arrange themselves? How does this arrangement affect the electronic and thermal properties of materials? How can we control the properties of semiconductors, and use these capabilities to create the building blocks for classical and quantum electronic devices?
The course will be an interactive mix between lectures, discussions, and exercises. Along the way, we will apply the concepts that we learn to understand the properties of materials that are the subject of intense current interest for fundamental research and applications. Wherever possible, we will make connections to ongoing research at NBI and in the field at large.
BSc Programme in Nanoscience
BSc Programme in Physics
Knowledge:
The student should understand and be able to describe the
fundamental properties of solids. They should come away knowing why
some materials are insulators, and others are conductors, and how
to explain the properties of each in terms of the quantum mechanics
of atomic and electronic motion in a system with a crystalline
lattice.
Skills:
It is expected from the student that they are able to:
- Describe various types of binding.
- Identify various crystal lattice structures, and to explain the concepts of reciprocal space and the Brillouin zone, along with their crucial roles in scattering and the thermal and electronic properties of solids.
- Discuss the importance of lattice vibrations (phonons) for the heat capacities of solids.
- Explain why electrons do not significantly contribute the specific heat of solids, but are responsible for the thermal conductivity of metals.
- Describe the electrical properties of simple metals on the basis of the free electron gas model.
- Derive models for the electronic band structure of solids and from the band structure be able to explain the differences between insulators, metals and semiconductors.
- Describe the electronic properties of semiconductors and how these can be modified.
- Describe how simple electronic components like transistors work
Competences:
The course will give the student the basic knowledge and tools that
will enable them to understand and describe the fundamental
properties of solids, and to continue to more advanced courses in
the field.
Lectures and exercises. There are 6 hours of exercises with the TAs per week, but you are expected to work additional hours on the exercises at home.
See Absalon
The student is expected to have passed courses on mathematics,
quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and electromagnetism on the
level covered in the corresponding Bachelor courses in Physics at
UCPH. Basic mathematical proficiency and problem solving skills
will be required.
Students who have not taken these courses or equivalents should
contact the instructor before signing up for the course to clarify
what background knowledge will be expected.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
On-site written exam, 4 hours under invigilation
- Aid
- All aids allowed except Generative AI and internet access
All aids including books, notes and computer (without internet access)
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
-
Same as the ordinary exam.
If there are 10 students or less signed up for the re-exam, the re-exam will be an oral examination, 25 minutes with no preparation time.
Criteria for exam assessment
See Learning Outcome
Single subject courses (day)
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 112
- Theory exercises
- 48
- Exam
- 4
- English
- 206
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- NFYA04021U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Bachelor
- Duration
-
1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedulegroup
-
A
- Capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
- Per Hedegård (8-6e6b6a6b6d67786a4674686f34717b346a71)
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