Physics: Solid State Theory

Solid State Theory is an advanced course that deepens your understanding of how fundamental theories in quantum mechanics and electrodynamics are used to describe the properties of solids.

You will study electronic band structures in crystals, transport and scattering, the microscopic origins of magnetism, and how dimensionality affects material properties.

The course also covers dielectric properties, excitons, superconductivity and the semiconductor Bloch equations. You will gain insight into current research topics in solid state physics and nanoscience, with a particular focus on research conducted at Lund University.

The course can be taken as part of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics, or as a stand-alone course. Teaching is in English and the course is aimed at students with a bachelor’s degree in physics who want to specialise in theoretical modelling of materials.

Teaching consists of lectures and exercise sessions. Participation in the exercise sessions is mandatory and provides opportunities for in-depth discussion of the course’s core concepts.

You will complete written assignments throughout the course and be assessed through an oral exam at the end.

The course trains you in using a range of theoretical tools, including density matrices, mean-field approximations and the occupation number formalism. You will also work with computer-aided calculations of material properties.

The course is co-taught with a corresponding course at LTH and follows the LTH examination schedule. It provides a solid foundation for further studies or research in solid state physics, theoretical physics and nanoscience.

Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires 135 credits in natural science including 90 credits in physics and 45 credits in mathematics, or a Degree of Bachelor in physics - in both cases including knowledge equivalent to FYSC23 Solid State Physics, 7.5 credits, FYSB23 Basic statistical physics and quantum statistics, 7.5 credits, FYSC20 Electromagnetism, 7.5 credits, FYSN27 Quantum Mechanics, 7.5 credits (at least taken), and English 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

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.