Unit information: The Physics of Novel Materials (Core lectures I) in 2016/17

Unit name	The Physics of Novel Materials (Core lectures I)
Unit code	PHYSM0011
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Hayden
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This is a mandatory 20 cp unit of the 180 cp MRes programme in Condensed Matter Physics. It is one of the core lecture based units for the programme. This unit focusses on the physics of novel materials. It will elucidate the various classes of novel electronic behaviour, with examples, and also discuss the relevant theory. Examples of areas to be discussed include: magnetism and superconductivity, graphene, charge transport and thermodynamics, applied magnetism and devices.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

• describe non-trival states electronic states that can occur in condensed matter (e.g. superconductivity, magnetism, charge density waves).

• describe examples of topical materials (e.g. graphene, topological insulators).

• describe how the physical (charge and transport) properties of materials are determined.

• describe how structure can be used to control the properties of materials (e.g. multilayers, nanowires, heterostructures, disordered materials)

Teaching Information

24 x 1 hour lectures with on-line support.

Assessment Information

Assessed open book course worksheets of problems and short essay questions (20 hours, 100%).

Reading and References

To be updated by unit lecturers each year.