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PH22035: Material physics

[Page last updated: 30 January 2025]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Physics
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EXOB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Written examination (EXOB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before or while taking this module you must take PH22006
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to:
  • describe the relationship between structure at the atomic level and larger scale physical properties such as hardness, strength, optical absorption, thermal and electrical conductivity;
  • explain how real solid materials differ from perfect idealised crystalline structures;
  • outline how defects and other types of disorder arise in real materials and how they can influence physical properties at the macroscopic scale;
  • describe how the properties of a material can degrade over time due to corrosion, creep, fatigue and radiation damage;
  • explain the operating principles that underlie key materials analysis techniques.



Synopsis: The quest for new materials is a major challenge for physics as the world becomes less dependent on fossil fuels, and information technology grows beyond what silicon can deliver. We will consider real-world materials, tracing the route from quantum mechanics to macroscopic properties. Concepts of 'smart', 'functional' and 'advanced' materials for energy, healthcare and quantum applications will be introduced through selected examples, along with cutting-edge techniques for materials science.

Content: Hot topics in materials physics (1 lecture hour): Modern classification of materials as "advanced", "functional" or "smart", with examples of each. The search for new and "designer" materials. Thermodynamics and material properties (2 lecture hours): Maxwell relations in classical thermodynamics, compressibility, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, in gases and solids. Structure-property relationship of ideal solid materials (4 lecture hours): Review of the atomic structure of crystalline metals, semiconductors, insulators and glasses. Description of how this influences their physical properties including elasticity, hardness, strength, optical absorption, ferromagnetism, piezoelectricity, electrical and thermal conductivity. Defects and other types of disorder in real materials (4 lecture hours): Bulk and thin film growth techniques. Formation of defects and impurities. Material microstructure and granularity. Surfaces and surface-specific properties. Amorphous materials and glasses (4 lecture hours): The glassy state, glass transition, entropy crisis, Kauzmann Paradox, viscosity in glass forming liquids, fragility, glass structure. Materials characterisation tools (5 lecture hours): Introduction to principles underlying key materials characterisation tools. These include electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, Raman spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy. Understanding of how to analyse results to reveal information about defects and microstructure in real materials.

Course availability:

PH22035 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB20 : BSc(Hons) Physics (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKB20 : BSc(Hons) Physics with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKB20 : BSc(Hons) Physics with study abroad (Year 2)
  • USPH-AFM20 : MPhys(Hons) Physics (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKM20 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USPH-AFM21 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with research placement (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKM21 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with research placement and professional placement (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKM21 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with research placement and study abroad (Year 2)
  • USPH-AKM20 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with study abroad (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.