PHYS 445: Solid State Physics
Spring 2006

Class Meeting Time: MWF 9:15-10:15 A, NSCI 207
Instructor: Ataur R. Chowdhury
Office: NSCI 118
Office Hours: TR 9:00-10:30 A (NSCI 118)
Contact: Phone (907) 474-6109

Fax (907) 474-6130
Email ffarc@uaf.edu

Prerequisites: MATH 302, 314; and PHYS 411; or permission of instructor.

Text: The Physics of Solids, R. Turton, Oxford.

Supplemental Text: Introduction to Solid State Physics, C. Kittel, Seventh/ Eighth Edition, John Wiley.

References: 1) M. A. Omar (Elementary Solid State Physics);

2) H. P. Myers (Introduction to Solid State Physics);

3) J. R. Christman (Fundamentals of Solid State Physics);

4) Ibach & Lüth ( Solid State Physics);

5) Ashcroft & Mermin ( Solid State Physics).

Course Outline: Theory of matter in the solid state and the interaction of matter with particles and waves (Chapters 1 through 10 in the text).

Course Requirements/ Policies:

Class Attendance:

This course is generally regarded as one of the basic courses taught in undergraduate curriculum, and it is highly expected that the students will commit themselves to attend the class regularly. There will be a lot of supplemental materials for this course and the students will be held responsible for all the materials that will be brought in from outside the text. The students will be expected to take part in meaningful discussion and ask questions to better comprehend the subject material.

Homework:

On the average, 5-8 problems will be assigned each week. The homework will be due back the following Wednesday by 5:00 p.m. in instructor's mailbox inside the department office (NSCI 102). NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS (barring emergencies and extreme situations). Group work is highly encouraged for solving problems, and for additional help with the homework the students are most welcome to consult the instructor during the office hour or any other time by prior appointment.

Tutorial Session:

One hour per week (M 4:40-5:40 P, NSCI 207) will be devoted to doing problems not included in the homework. Both the instructor and students will take part in solving a pre-selected set of problems during this session. Students are welcome to ask questions regarding the assigned homework, and may also bring in subjects materials for further discussion and clarification during this session. This session is designed to foster a better understanding of the subject and will not be a part of the grade.

Pop Quiz: There will be one pop quiz every week of the semester. The dates for the quizzes will not be specified and these will be designed to test students understanding of the subject materials from the preceding week. The quiz may include problems similar to the homework and may also include ‘intuitive’ question pertaining to the subject materials. Of all the quizzes only ten best will be considered for grading.

Examinations:
There will be a midterm examination (March 6, Monday) and a final comprehensive examination (May 10, Wednesday, 10:00-10:00 A) for this course. Examinations will consist of, in most part, problems similar to those in the homework and those worked out in class.

Grading Policy:

Homework 35%

Midterm 16

Quiz 25

Final 24

100%

Disability Services:It is the policy of the university that all students have equal access to the campus and course materials. Students with special needs and/ or disabilities should contact Student Support Services (508 GRUE, 474-6844) and/ or Disability Services (203 WHIT, 474-7043) for help that they may need.