Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Solid State Physics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2068

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

PHYS2068

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Jim Partridge

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2865

Course Coordinator Email: jim.partridge@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 14.7.4b

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed course before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 


Course Description

This course presents principles and techniques of solid-state physics with a focus on electronics and magnetism/spintronics. Fundamental theories in solid state physics are introduced and then extended to show the relevance to current and next generation technology. The course has a theoretical lecture component and makes extensive use of examples and exercises to illustrate the material.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 Assessment will contribute to the School of Sciences Program Learning Outcomes at AQF Level 7:

  • PLO-1   Understanding science
    • PLO-1.1 You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
  • PLO-2   Scientific knowledge
    • PLO-2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
  • PLO-3   Inquiry and Problem Solving
    • PLO-3.1 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
    • PLO-3.2 You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
  • PLO-5   Personal and professional responsibility
    • PLO-5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.

 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic ideas and tools of solid-state physics, and be able to apply them in other fields;
  2. Explain the types of matter exist in the solid state;
  3. Explain the physical origins which govern the properties of condensed matter;
  4. Explore a variety of experimental methods available to probe the structure of condensed matter;
  5. Apply the knowledge gained in this course to understand a variety of applied problems in condensed matter and solid state physics;
  6. Analyse problems in solid state physics using relevant mathematical tools.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You will learn in this course by:

  • attendance at on-campus and/or online lectures where material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
  • attending on-campus and/or online tutorials and working through problem sheets consisting of numerical and other problems requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter;
  • private study, working through the theory as presented in lectures, texts and notes;
  • completing exercises designed to illustrate basic concepts in solid state physics and promote problem solving skills.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


Overview of Learning Resources

 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: On-going problem based learning tasks
Weighting: 10 %
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

Assessment Task 2: Written assignments
Weighting: 25 %
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

Assessment Task 3 Laboratory Reports
Weighting: 30 %
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

Assessment Task 4: End of semester in-class skills and competency assessment
Weighting: 35 %
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.