This course is designed as an essential core course for all students majoring in Physics. Many practicing physicists in academia or industry work on this fundamental area of physics. This course aims to establish fundamental concepts in condensed matter physics, and applies the physics you have learned previously (in particular quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics) to these real-world materials. The structure and properties of solids including thermal and electrical properties are described in lectures, and investigated at first hand in the laboratory component of the course. The electron theory of solids is developed and applied to explain the physical properties of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics and superconductors. The behaviour of soft matter including simple liquids, polymer and liquid crystals will be described and discussed.

Students will practice solving theoretical problems in condensed matter physics in tutorials and further develop their understanding of the topics by completing the assignments.

The course may include lectures from researchers on topics such as diffraction science and disordered materials, liquid crystals and polymers.

The laboratory component includes a range of experiments from which students select those they wish to undertake, including experiments performed on research equipment in the laboratories of various research schools.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the significance and value of condensed matter physics, both scientifically and in the wider community
2. Critically analyse and evaluate experimental strategies, and decide which is most appropriate for answering specific questions
3. Research and communicate scientific knowledge in the context of  a topic related to condensed matter physics, in either a technical or non-specialist format
4. Apply key analysis techniques to typical problems encountered in the field
5. Gain and apply discipline-specific knowledge, including self-directed research into the scientific literature.

Assessment will be based on:

• Examination (40%; LO 4, 5)
• Laboratory work (30%; LO 2, 3, 4)
• Assignments (30%; LO 1, 3, 5)

A total of approximately thirty-six lectures and tutorials and eighteen hours of laboratory work.

PHYS2013 or PHYS2020