Learning objectives
The course is meant to introduce the basic concepts of Condensed Matter Physics and to learn how to apply the notions acquired in the first module.
Thanks to the notions learned in this course, the student will reach an operational knowledge of Condensed Matter Physics and will be able to utilize it to rationalize the electric, thermic and electromagnetic properties of materials.
Beyond the methodologic tools, the course provides the students with a basic language for Condensed Matter Physics, allowing them to read and understand advanced texts.
The technical specific language obtained, will allow the student to dialogue with specialists and to translate complex concepts in a language understandable to non-specialists.
The students will be able to work in group and produce short elaborates (Powerpoint slides or short essay) focused on specific topics of Material Science; they will be able to illustrate these to their peers.
Prerequisites
Classical mechanics and thermodynamics, Calculus.
The course assumes that the student has followed an introduction to quantum mechanics, and on the structure of the hydrogen atom and multi-electron atoms.
Course unit content
Building on the concepts explored in the first module of the course, the course analyzes the origins of the properties of the properties of solids (electronics, magnetics, optical and thermal, as well as superconductivity), rooted in quantum mechanics.
Full programme
- Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Introduction to crystals
- Motion of atoms in a crystal
- Electronic theory of solids
- Electronic conductions in metals and semiconductors
- Introduction to amorphous solids
- Introduction to the physics of Plasmas
Bibliography
For each lesson, slides and powerpoint material will be made available on the Elly Platform. In each of these, a slide will indicate the relevant chapters / paragraph in textbooks, e.g. from:
• Franchetti, Rangagni, Mugnai - Elementi di Struttura della Materia – Zanichelli (main textbook)
• Fieschi, De Renzi – Struttura della Materia, Nuova Italia Scientifica
• Bassani, Grassano – Fisica dello Stato Solido – Bollati Boringhieri
Teaching methods
Frontal lesson, supported by slides and other teaching material
During the course, students will be asked to elaborate in groups on a selection of arguments; they will produce a short presentation on the assigned topic and discuss it in class with the teacher and the other students, following the “flipped classroom” approach.
This will be the basis for an intermediate verification of learning.
Assessment methods and criteria
An oral examination is used to verify learning.
The evaluation process considers the elaborates produced by the student during the group assignments, and their presentation to the class.
The final vote is produced basing on the arithmetic average of the votes obtained in the oral examinations of each module.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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