1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Condensed Matter Physics 3
  4. Print

Condensed Matter Physics 3 (PHYC30024)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2022 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
Subjects taught in 2022 will be in one of three delivery modes: Dual-Delivery, Online or On Campus.
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
You’re currently viewing the 2022 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
FeesLook up fees

This subject will introduce basic concepts in Condensed Matter Physics, the physics of solids and liquids, from a theoretical and experimental perspective. In particular, it will address the most fundamental concepts and techniques which are required to gain a basic understanding of materials. These concepts and techniques include crystal structure, reciprocal space, adiabatic approximation, free electrons, electrons in a periodic potential, insulators, conductors, semi-conductors and mean-field theory. The subject further aims to introduce some of the most basic experimental techniques in solid state physics and material research. Finally, this subject will provide a phenomenological introduction to one of the most fascinating states of matter: superconductors.

Intended learning outcomes

On completing this subject, students should be able to:

  • Classify crystals, identify their symmetries and explain the notion of point and space groups;
  • Model the solid state using the principles of quantum mechanics;
  • Distinguish between conductors, insulators and semi-conductors with respect to their electronic properties;
  • Apply Bloch's theorem and understand the notion of band structures;
  • Examine the phenomenology of superconductors.

Generic skills

  • analyse how to solve a problem by applying fundamental laws to more complicated situations
  • apply abstract concepts to real world situations
  • solve relatively complicated problems using approximations
  • participate effectively in group discussions

Last updated: 30 May 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC30016 Electrodynamics
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20026 Real Analysis
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20014 Theoretical Physics 2
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 30 May 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Written Assignment 1

  • 20 hours (of work required)
Friday 5.00pm, Week 515%

Written Assignment 2

  • 20 hours (of work required)
Friday 5.00pm, Week 1115%

Written examination

  • 3 hours
During the assessment period70%

Additional details

This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Assessment tasks have been allocated with regards to the total time that students are expected to devote to each, including preparation, private study and writing. The subject involves approximately 126 hours of independent study and 44 hours of contact time involving lectures and tutorials; 170 hours in total.

Last updated: 30 May 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorStephan Rachel
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours are lectures and 8 hours a mixture of problem-solving classes and computational lab. It might be advantageous to organise the problem-solving classes/computational lab in blocks of 2 hours in week 3, 5, 7 and 9.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

Time commitment details

The total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours. Of this, 36 hours are lectures and 8 hours a mixture of problem-solving classes and computational lab. It might be advantageous to organise the problem-solving classes/computational lab in blocks of 2 hours in week 3, 5, 7 and 9. The remaining 126 hours are to be devoted to independent study distributed uniformly throughout the teaching and non-teaching periods of the Semester. Students should allocate approximately 40 hours to the study, preparation and writing of two assignments that each contribute 15% to the final mark for the subject. Approximately 86 hours should be allocated to independent study of the subject material and preparation for the final three hour examination. The final examination is to be held in the Examination Period and contributes 70% to the total assessment.

Additional delivery details

This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Last updated: 30 May 2023

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    to be confirmed

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 30 May 2023