PHYS 4545 Condensed Matter Physics
Condensed matter physics concerns all aspects of the physics of "condensed" materials, that is, solids, liquids, gels, and plasma. It is the science behind many technologically-relevant applied and integrated science and engineering fields. This course primarily covers the solid state, starting with crystal lattices and their vibrations (phonons), and descriptions of crystalline metals, semiconductors, insulators, and superconductors. It covers in some detail the electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermal properties of materials, and introduces the student to noncrystalline solids and so-called "soft condensed matter."
Course overview
- Department
- Physics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Requirements fulfilled
- Physics B.S.: At least 6 credits of advanced (4000 level or above) elective coursework (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Applied Physics B.S.: At least three elective courses at or above the 4000 level (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: Natural science, computer science, or economics corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.08 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.46 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Qiong Ma | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 7–9 hrs/week | 3 of 3 |
| Fall 2024 | Qiong Ma | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 7 of 9 |
| Fall 2022 | Qiong Ma | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4–6 hrs/week | 3 of 5 |
| Fall 2021 | Qiong Ma | 3.2 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 6 of 6 |