PH4044 Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students on a programme in the School of Physics & Astronomy.

Module description

This module builds on concepts taught in Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (PH4039) to introduce more advanced theoretical concepts and lay the foundations required to understand the challenges in current research in condensed matter physics. Topics covered in this module include advanced techniques for band-structure determination, superconductivity and magnetism as well as the physics of semiconductor electronics. The module will further prepare students for more independent learning. The module will be 100% continuously assessed, including a journal club presentation, problem sheets and computational problems to serve as an introduction to advanced modelling and data analysis in condensed matter physics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE PH3061 AND ( TAKE PH3080 OR TAKE PH3082 ) AND TAKE PH4039

Assessment pattern

Oral Examination = 30%, Coursework (computing project - 40%, Journal Club presentation 30%) = 70%

Re-assessment

Oral Examination = 100% -Re-Aassessment grade capped at 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials (x 11 weeks), 1 computing hour

Scheduled learning hours

42

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

108

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of the topics covered in the module
  • Gain and develop a variety of problem solving techniques that are used in modern research
  • Develop an understanding of advanced phenomena in solid state physics undertaking a literature search
  • Aquire basic skills in numerical modelling of physics problems using a numerical model to understand the physics of a particular problem

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook, at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/