Introductory Physics of Materials, MSE 351-1 (Winter 2005)

Syllabus | Lecture Materials | Assignments

Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to quantum mechanics and solid state physics. Specific topics include free electron behavior, potential energy wells and barriers, bonding, energy band theory, and electrical properties of metals and semiconductors.

PREREQUISITES:

GEN ENG 205-4 and PHYSICS 135-2,3 or equivalent background in introductory undergraduate physics; please seek consent of instructor if unsure.

TEACHING METHOD:

Three 50 minute lectures per week with discussion, homework, midterm, and final exam.

EVALUATION METHOD:

Course grades will be determined from homework (25%), a midterm exam (35%), and a final exam (40%).

HOMEWORK:

This course has weekly homework assignments. Due to the short length of the quarter, it is imperative that students keep up with the homework.

COLLABORATION:

Collaboration on homework assignments is allowed and encouraged. However, each person must submit a copy of the homework in his/her own handwriting. Please list your collaborators at the top of your homework assignments.

EXAMS:

There will be one mid-term exam and one final exam as shown on the syllabus. Calculators and one 8.5” x 11” sheet of notes are allowed for exams.

GRADES:

Course grades will be determined from homework (25%), the mid-term exam (35%), and the final exam (40%).

SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES:

In addition to the official textbook for this course (Solymar and Walsh, Electrical Properties of Materials, 7th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2004, ISBN: 0199267936), the following references may be useful:

(1) C. Kittel and H. Kroemer, Thermal Physics, Freeman and Company, 1980.
(2) C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley and Sons, 1996.
(3) N. W. Ashcroft and N. D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Harcourt College, 1976.
(4) B. G. Streetman, Solid State Electronic Devices, Prentice Hall, 1990.
(5) D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 1995.