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PHYC30050

Academic Year 2025/2026

Condensed Matter Physics (PHYC30050)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor James Rice
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The course centres on the use of online lectures. The lectures will have written content to make the lecture understandable upon reading. There will be a 'mid-term' assessment along with a end of term exam.

The module will introduce the basic physics of condensed matter. Topics covered will include cohesion in solids, electronic structure, thermal properties, magnetism, optical processes in solids, low temperature phases, semiconductors and transport in solids.

The course is based on established solid state physics content. The formate of teaching is based on establishing the basic formulas and concepts.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:


Each lecture will begin with details of the specific learning outcome.

In general, the learning outcomes is centred on understanding the basic concepts, definitions and equation based understanding of the specific topics covered. Teaching will aim to cover this in order that the student have an understanding of basic solid state physics concepts.

Indicative Module Content:

Cohesion in, and structure of solids
Electronic structure in solids
Thermal properties
Magnetism
Optical processes in solids
Semiconductors

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Seminar (or Webinar)

1
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

30
Total

107

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The course centres on the use of online lectures. The lectures will have written content to make the lecture understandable upon reading. There will be a 'mid-term' assessment along with a end of term exam.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PHYC20100 - Thermo & Stat Physics

Incompatibles:
PHYC40250 - Condensed Matter Physics

Additional Information:
Learning Requirements: Introductory course in Quantum Mechanics.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): A in person exam will be held at the end of week 12 End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
100
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Assignment sheets will be provided for self guided learning Week 3, Week 6, Week 9, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
0
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Face to face feedback following assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
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