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    Overview

    An introduction to the physics of many-particle systems. The laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The structure of crystalline solids, and the thermal and electrical properties of solid state systems.

    About this paper

    Paper title Thermal and Condensed Matter Physics
    Subject Physics
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    MATH 140 or MATH 170
    Pre or Corequisite
    PHSI 221 or CHEM 201
    Restriction
    PHSI 332
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact

    physics.office@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr. Philip Brydon

    Textbooks

    D. V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics, Addison Wesley Longman.

    * S. H. Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics, Oxford (optional).

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    • State the laws of thermodynamics and understand their significance in provding the framework for classical thermal physics
    • Understand how the second law of thermodynamics emerges from statistical considerations, and derive the thermodynamic behaviour of simple systems from first principles
    • Use thermal and statistical physics to determine the physical properties of realistic systems
    • Describe a crystalline solid in terms of the direct and reciprocal lattices, and infer crystal structures from X-ray diffraction data
    • Understand optical, vibrational and electronic wave propagation in crystalline solids
    • Use appropriate microscopic models to describe the physical properties of metals, insulators, semiconductors, and magnetic systems

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22
    Tuesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 12:00-12:50 9-12, 15-22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22
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