PHZ6426 (section 5187) - Solid State I - Fall 2015

Instructor Information

Course Information

Course Description

This is a first course in solid state physics at the graduate level. The standard textbook by Ashcroft and Mermin will be covered through semiconductors (Chapter 29), including such topics as crystal structure, free electron models, band theory, semiclassical electron transport, and lattice vibrations, Magnetism and superconductivity will be covered in Solid State 2. Graduate level courses in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics are prerequisites. This course is an essential building block for anyone working in condensed matter physics, solid state chemistry, materials science, or electrical engineering.

Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Required Texts

Grade Distribution

  1. Homework (40%):
    Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis from the textbook for the course and other sources. Because the number of problems solvable analytically is limited, some problems will involve numerical solutions, most likely with Matlab, which I will introduce in class.

  2. Exam 1 and 2 (30% each):
    Exams will be given on the topics covered in lecture and in the homework (see course schedule for dates).

Classroom Policies

Attendance & makeup policy: Requirements for class attendancrte and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found in the online catalog at: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx

Grading Scale (& GPA equivalent): A 100-90 (4.0) | A- 85-90 (3.67) | B+ 80-85 (3.00) | B 70-80 (3.0) | B- 65-70 (2.67) | C+ 60-65 (2.33) | C 55-60 (2.0) | C- 50-55 (1.67) | D+ 47-50 (1.33) | D 43-47 (1.0) | D- 40-43 (0.67) | E 40- (0)

Academic Honesty: UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code. On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.” The Honor Code specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. Contact the Disability Resources Center for information about available resources for students with disabilities.

Counseling and Mental Health Resources: Students facing difficulties completing the course or who are in need of counseling or urgent help should call the on-campus Counseling and Wellness Center (352-392-1575).

Online Course Evaluation Process: Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course based on 10 criteria. These evaluations are conducted online. Evaluations are typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available on-line.