This module will develop student's understanding of solid state physics, and introduce key concepts in magnetism, superconductivity and low dimensional systems. Students will gain an understanding of magnetic phenomena and the underlying physical processes responsible, high and low temperature superconductivity, piezoelectrical phenomena and the concepts and applications of dielectric solids. They will master the relevant theory and obtain experience in solving numerical problems.

Magnetism: paramagnetism, diamagnetism, exchange interaction and ferromagnetism, Weiss model of ferromagnetism, Neel model of antiferromagnetism, domains and Bloch walls, giant magnetoresistance. Insulators: dielectrics and susceptibility, pyroelectrics, ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics. Quantum transport: ballistic transport, tunnelling and Coulomb blockade. Low dimensional systems: two dimensional electron/phonon gas, density of states, quantum Hall effect. Superconductivity: Type-1 and Type-2 superconductors, magnetic properties, thermodynamics of superconducting transition, London equations, energy gap and Cooper pairs, tunnel junctions and Josephson effect.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 1) Show how magnetic phenomena arise and how they are used to understand the structure of magnetic and magnetically susceptible solids. 2) Discuss the physical processes responsible for magnetism, high and low temperature superconductivity and low dimensional systems and to be able to understand and extrapolate information from associated experimental measurement techniques that identify each phenomenon. 3) Describe physical basis and experimental observation of ferro/antiferromagnetism in solids using Weiss/NÚel models, giant megnetoresistance, piezoelectrical phenomena and the concepts and applications of dielectric solids. 4) Derive relevant equations describing insulators and dielectrics, quantum transport in solids, density of states and the thermodynamics of superconductors from basic laws and principles. 5) Solve numerical problems, form information provided, on the topics covered. 6) Use physical concepts and theory to model real physical systems.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to: 1) Discuss the importance of magnetic phenomena, application of dielectrics and the concepts of superconductors in bulk and low dimensional systems/solids in academic and research environments.

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The module will be taught via interactive lecture, experiential tutorial, problem-based private study, self directed learning, recommended reading, reflection on and application to physics-related research problems, enquiry based learning, observation, demonstration, skills acquisition and adaptation, mentorship and lab supervision. Students will learn basic concepts and learn how apply their knowledge to solve physical and numerical problems.