Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Overview
This unit provides an introduction to quantum mechanics and solid state physics, particularly those areas relevant to modern applied science.
Requisites
Assumed Knowledge
Students should be familiar with definite integration techniques.
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify the Schrodinger equation and formulate quantum mechanical descriptions of simple physical systems (K1, K2)
- Describe and interpret fundamental concepts of solid state physics (K1, K2)
- Apply physical principles to the analysis of problems in basic quantum mechanics and solid state physics (K1, K2, K3)
- Analyze experimental data and synthesize these results with your physics knowledge in order to communicate your ideas and conclusions in the form of a technical report (K2, A2)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Lab | 2.00 | 6 weeks | 12 |
| Online Learning activities | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 6.50 | 12 weeks | 78 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 10 - 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Examination | Individual | 40 - 60% | 1,2,3 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 10 - 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
Quantum Mechanics:
- Quantum phenomena, probability and wave functions
- Time-dependent and time-independent Schrodinger equations
- Applications of Schrodinger equation
- Quantum states, energy levels and degeneracy
- Reflection and transmission at a potential barrier: tunnelling, averages and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle
- Many body quantum mechanics
- Identical particles and Pauli exclusion principle
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Solid State Physics:
- Free electron theory, the Fermi-Dirac distribution and Fermi levels
- Conductivity in metals
- Failures of free electron model
- Weak binding approximation
- Forbidden energies and effective mass
- Strong binding approximation
- Band theory and intrinsic semiconductors
- Crystal lattices and the reciprocal lattice
- Phonons, thermal properties of solids and superconductivity
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.