Physics: Solid State Physics

This course provides an introduction to solid state physics, a field at the heart of many scientific and technological breakthroughs. You will gain basic conceptual understanding and simple tools to model key phenomena in solids, surfaces, and nanostructures. The course draws heavily on quantum mechanics and highlights how theoretical insights and material manipulation at the microscopic level lead to major real-world applications—from nano- to macroscale. You will explore how today’s electronic and nanotech components shape our daily lives and get a broad view of experimental and theoretical subfields. Solid state physics connects deeply with quantum information, particle physics, and materials science. It is a gateway to many interdisciplinary careers, offering strong prospects inside and outside academia.

You will take part in lectures, group exercises, and hands-on laboratory sessions. The course includes both a written exam and practical projects. You will also receive supervision during computer-based exercises and project work. A highlight is the opportunity to visit the MAX IV and ESS research facilities, where advanced spectroscopic techniques are used in cutting-edge research. This blend of theory, experimentation, and application gives you a well-rounded understanding of how solid state physics is used to solve real-world problems and supports innovation across scientific disciplines.

Prerequisites

Entry to the course requires general entry requirements and 60 credits including physics knowledge equivalent to: FYSA12 Physics: Introduction to university physics with mechanics and electromagnetism, 15 credits, FYSA13 Physics: Introduction to university physics with optics, waves and quantum physics, 7.5 credits, FYSA14 Physics: Introduction to university physics with thermodynamics, climate and experimental methodology, 7.5 credits, FYSB21 Physics: Mathematical methods for oscillations, waves and diffusion, 7.5 credits, FYSB22 Physics: Basic quantum mechanics, 7.5 credits, FYSB23 Physics: Basic statistical Physics and quantum statistics, 7.5 credits, and FYSB24 physics: Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits, and 45 credits in Mathematics including knowledge equivalent to: MATA21 mathematics: One variable calculus, 15 credits, MATA22 Mathematics: Linear algebra 1, 7.5 credits, NUMA01 Numerical analysis: Computational programming with Python, 7.5 credits, MATB21 Mathematics: Multivariable analysis 1, 7.5 credits, and MATB22 Mathematics: Linear algebra 2, 7.5 credits. Students who have obtained the equivalent knowledge by other means may also be admitted to the course.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 20 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 10 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 70 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 23,125
First payment: SEK 23,125

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.