Physics: Spectroscopy and the Quantum Description of Matter

This course gives you a deeper understanding of how quantum mechanics is used to describe matter. You will learn how light interacts with atoms, molecules and solid materials. This interaction forms the basis of many spectroscopic methods. You will explore how these methods are used to analyse electronic, chemical and structural properties. Special focus is placed on electron spectroscopy and X-ray-based techniques. 

The course also covers chemical bonding and band structure in relation to quantum models. You will gain tools to choose the right method for different types of material analysis. The course can be taken as part of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics, or as a stand-alone course. It is taught in English and is aimed at students with a bachelor’s degree in physics who want to deepen their understanding of the quantum structure of matter.

This course gives you a deeper understanding of how quantum mechanics is used to describe matter. You will learn how light interacts with atoms, molecules and solid materials. This interaction forms the basis of many spectroscopic methods. You will explore how these methods are used to analyse electronic, chemical and structural properties. Special focus is placed on electron spectroscopy and X-ray-based techniques.

The course also covers chemical bonding and band structure in relation to quantum models. You will gain tools to choose the right method for different types of material analysis. The course can be taken as part of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics, or as a stand-alone course. It is taught in English and is aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics who want to deepen their understanding of the quantum structure of matter.

The course has two parts. The first part includes lectures, exercises and lab sessions. You will learn how quantum mechanics connects to spectroscopic methods. You will also practise analysing experimental data. Lab sessions take place in research environments at Lund University. You will also visit MAX IV.

The second part is a project. You will work individually on a topic of your choice. It may focus on a method, a physical phenomenon or a material property. The project includes a scientific summary, a written report, an oral presentation and peer review. The course is problem-based and requires active participation. You will take part in seminars, group work and lab sessions.

The assessment is based on written assignments, the project and your oral presentation.

Prerequisites

Admission to the course requires 120 credits scientific studies in which 75 credits in physics and 45 credits in mathematics are included, or a Degree of Bachelor in physics - in both cases including knowledge equivalent to FYSB22 Basic quantum mechanics, 7.5 credits, FYSB24 Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7.5 credits and FYSC23, Solid State Physics, 7.5 credits, 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 21,250
First payment: SEK 21,250

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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.