PHYS 8761 Solid State Physics I
Introduction to the basic concepts of the quantum theory of solids. Drude and Sommerfeld theory, crystal structure and bonding, theory of crystal diffraction, and the reciprocal lattice, Bloch theorem and electronic band structure, nearly free electron approximation and tight binding method, metals, semiconductors and insulators, dynamics of crystal lattice, phonons in metals, semiclassical theory of electrical and thermal transport, introduction to magnetism and superconductivity.
Course overview
- Department
- Physics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Graduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.46 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.63 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| 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 | Ziyan Zhu | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 8 of 9 |
| Fall 2024 | Brian Zhou | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 7–9 hrs/week | 6 of 9 |
| Fall 2023 | Brian Zhou | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 of 8 |
| Fall 2022 | Brian Zhou | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 8 of 11 |
| Fall 2021 | Fazel Tafti | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 7–9 hrs/week | 4 of 8 |