MATL 5400/6400: Physics of Solids   

Spring 2004
 

Course Objective

This course is designed to provide the student with

  • a thorough understanding of the electrical, optical, and magnetic (EOM) properties of materials

  • the basic principles of semiconducting materials and functional semiconductor devices

  • the ability to use EOM properties for material selection, and

  • information on select applications based on material EOM properties.

Course topics include the following broad categories

  • Introductory material

  • Quantum physics and band theory of solids

  • Electrical properties of materials

  • Dielectric properties of materials

  • Optical properties of materials

  • Magnetic properties of materials

  • Thermal properties of materials (if time allows)

Course textbook: Rolf E. Hummel, Electronic Properties of Materials, 3rd Ed., Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2001.

 

Teaching Assistant

Shankar Balasubramanian

196 Wilmore Laboratories

e-mail: sokkabs@auburn.edu

Phone: 844-3149

 

Important Dates

1. Short exam #1: February 5

2. Mid-semester exam: March 4

3. Short exam #2: April 6

4. Final exam: May 8

 

Normal class time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Tues. & Thurs.

Office hours: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. (Open times)

                      9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Mon.-Fri. (By appt. only)

                      After 5:30 p.m. Mon., Fri. (if in the office)

 

Grading: Distribution of scoring

  • Homework: 20%

  • Short exams #1 and #2: 30% (15% each)

  • Mid-semester exam: 20%

  • Final exam: 30%

Marks vs. scoring

  • Grade of A: ≥ 90% 

  • Grade of B: ≥ 80% and < 90%

  • Grade of C: ≥ 65% and < 80%

  • Failing: < 65%

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