Course content

Waves: Wave function, complex notation, plane waves, spherical waves, interference and diffraction, Doppler-effect, wave equation, mechanical waves, sound waves, light, dispersion, wave velocity and group velocity, wave packets, Fourier methods, band widths.
Quantum mechanics: Experimental foundation, waves and particles, Schrödinger equation, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, atomic physics, atomic spectra, one-electron atom, orbitals, many-electron atoms, the periodic system.
Material science: Molecules and solid state, electron-model of metals, band model, insulator, semiconductor and metals, semiconductors, dielectric materials, optical, magnetic and superconducting materials.

Learning outcome

The course is an advanced course in physics, and will teach the students waves and quantum mechanics.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. 2/3 of the exercises are required to take the exam. Written exam accounts for 60% of the grade and two mid-term exams each account for 20% of the grade. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Calculation exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The courses TFY4115 (or TFY4120 or TFY4125) Physics, TMA4100 Calculus 1, TMA4105 Calculus 2 and TMA4115 Calculus 3 or similar courses.

Course materials

M. Mansfield and C. O'Sullivan. Understanding Physics.

Credit reductions