New materials enable new technologies and many practicing physicists in academia and industry work in this fundamental area of physics. This course aims to establish fundamental concepts in solid-state physics, and applies the physics learned previously (in particular quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics) to macroscopic 'real-world' materials. The structure and properties of solids including thermal, electrical and magnetic properties are described and the electron theory of solids is developed and applied to explain the physical properties of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics and superconductors. Students will practice solving theoretical problems in condensed matter physics in tutorials and further develop their understanding of the topics by completing the assignments and quizzes. Students will also perform practical laboratory sessions to learn some of the key analytical techniques in solid-state physics. The results from these laboratory sessions will be analysed and written up in laboratory reports to practice critical analysis and communication of experimental investigations.
HPO: Students can opt-in to the HPO through sign-up in Wattle by Friday Week 3. The HPO is 15% of your final grade, and will amount to be around an extra 15 hours of work across the teaching period, the remaining assessment will be weighted at 85%. Refer to 'Other information' for more detail.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the significance and value of solid state physics, both scientifically and in the wider community.
- Describe key concepts in crystallography such as material structure and reciprocal space, and how these can be investigated experimentally.
- Integrate knowledge and mathematical techniques from foundational areas of physics to describe the thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of solid systems.
- Apply key analysis techniques to typical problems encountered in the field.
- Understand the role of materials physics in the development of modern technology, and the physical processes on which these technologies are based.
Other Information
HPO: The Honours Pathway Option will involve a literature review of a special topic in solid state physics. Assessment will be writing a 2-3 page review and giving a 15 min oral presentation about the topic. The topic will be agreed upon with the course convenor and can include a particular analytical technique, or recent advance in solid state physics or a more in depth review of a particular topic. HPO is 15% of your final grade, and will amount to be around an extra 15 hours of work across the teaching period, the remaining assessment will be weighted at 85%. Students undertaking the HPO will engage particularly with Learning Outcomes 3 and 5.
Indicative Assessment
- Examination (40) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Assignments (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Laboratory reports and logbook (20) [LO 2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of , a 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week, a 2 hour workshop per week and 6 x 3 hour laboratory sessions accross the semester.
- Self-paced online lectures (approximately 2 hours per week)
- Approximately 52 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
This course includes labwork. Students with accessibility concerns should consult convenors regarding any necessary accommodations.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
Indicative reading:
Simon, S. Oxford Solid State Basics
Hoffman, P. Solid State Physics
Assumed Knowledge
It is desirable that students have taken PHYS3101 and PHYS3103, but it is not a course requirement.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8423 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |