Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PHYC40200

Academic Year 2024/2025

Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter (PHYC40200)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Andrew Mitchell
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce methods of many-body quantum mechanics, as applied to condensed matter physics. The fundamental formalism and techniques are presented, with examples of applications to relevant physical systems.
Topics covered include second quantization, spin systems and magnetism, quantum gases, tight-binding models, strongly correlated electrons, scattering theory, Green's functions, and topological quantum matter.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The student will acquire a knowledge of the basic tools used to treat problems in many-body quantum mechanics, including second quantization, tight-binding formalism, mean-field theory, computational solutions, and Green's functions. These techniques will be applied to physical problems of relevance in modern condensed matter science, such as quantum spin systems, quantum phase transitions, electronic band structure, and topological quantum matter.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

46

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Lectures

36

Total

122


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module comprises 36 hours of lectures, a mini-project, and homework assignments, with a final exam. Tutorial classes are given before and after the mini-projects, and after homework assignments.
The module is hands-on with real demonstrations and applications in lectures and assignments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Problem sets based on practice calculations and past exam paper questions. Solutions and tutorial classes held the week after assignment submission deadline. Week 5, Week 7, Week 12 Graded No
20
No
Individual Project: Open-ended mini project to explore an advanced topic Week 10 Graded No
20
No
Exam (In-person): Synoptic in-person, end-of-trimester, closed-book exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Graded No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are given feedback in class format on continuous assessment components. Individual feedback on project work is provided. Individual feedback can be provided by the module coordinator at any time if sought.

Name Role
George Mihailescu Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 11:00 - 12:50