Solid State Physics (PHYS 3153) Course Syllabus
Dr. Daniel Bullock
Email: dbullock@ atu.edu
Phone: 479.968.0230
WHEN: 11:00AM-11:50AM MWF
WHERE: McEver 162
COURSE INFORMATION: General course information can be found on the course website. The website can be found at pls.atu.edu/physic/people/bullock.
Follow the link titled: “Teaching”. Finally click on the link for Solid State Physics.
COURSE MATERIALS: The textbook we are using is titled, “Introduction to Solid
State Physics” by Charles Kittel.
CLASSROOM RULES: Each student is expected to show mutual respect for one another. Most food and drinks are allowed however food that has a definite odor are NOT allowed (e.g. hamburgers, fries, tacos, etc.). Children are not allowed in class. If a student has any questions they should ask the instructor.
OFFICE HOURS: My office is located in McEver 03. Phone: 479.968.0230 I have an
“open door policy” meaning that anytime I am in my office you can stop by for help. My designated office hours are Monday-Wednesday-Friday 8:30AM – 10:00AM and
Tuesday-Thursday 8:30AM – 9:30AM
CO/PRE-REQUISITES: Prerequisites: PHYS 2114 (General Physics I), CHEM 2124
(General Chemistry I) is required. Corequisite MATH 3243 (Differential Equations I).
CATALOG DESCRIPTION : Fall odd years. Prerequisites: PHYS 2114, 2124; CHEM
2124. Corequisite: MATH 3243. An introduction to the physics governing the crystalline state of matter. Modern theories describing lattice vibrations, energy bands, crystal binding, and optical properties are presented. These ideas are then applied to understanding of technologically important areas such as superconductivity, doped semiconductors, ferroelectric materials, and photorefractivity. Lecture 3 hours.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this physics course are:

Provide the student with a clear and logical presentation of the basic concepts and principles of solid state physics.

Strengthen an understanding of the concepts and principles through a broad range of the interesting applications to the real world.
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the crystalline lattice.

Solve problems concerning the definition of the Bravais lattice.
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Understand and apply the definition of the reciprocal lattice.


Understand the energy bands of solids and their application to modern electrical devices.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: Each student will be expected to solve the assigned homework problems on his/her own time. The homework assignments will not be collected, however some of the homework problems will be used as examples in class.
Additionally, students should come by my office and ask for help if they are having problems with the homework assignments.
EXAMS: There will be four exams during the semester. Each exam will be a closed book exam. No notes or equation cards/sheets will be allowed. Additionally, programmable calculators will NOT be allowed. Each student is responsible for pre-approving his or her calculator with the instructor BEFORE each exam. Each exam will count toward your overall course grade.
GRADING: The overall course grade will be determined by averaging the four exams
(worth 70%), homework assignments (worth 15%) and a 15-20 min. presentation and written report on a topic of relevance to Solid State Physics (worth 15%). The presentation-report will be worth 10% of your total grade. An overall average between
100%-90% will be given a letter grade of A, an average between 90%-80% will be given a letter grade of B, an average between 80%-70% will be given a letter grade of C, an average between 70%-60% will be given a letter grade D, and a letter grade of F will be given to all averages below 60%.
Finally, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the grading scale as he sees fit.
POLICY ON ABSENCES AND CHEATING: Any absence will be excused if the student presents the instructor with a letter from the doctor (NOTE: This letter must contain the doctor’s contact information). If an absence has occurred due to a death in the family the student must present the instructor with a copy of the obituary. If a student misses class because he/she is attending a professional school related meeting, the student must present the instructor with a program from the meeting.
Any student caught cheating will be reported to the appropriate University authorities.
SUMMARY: This syllabus is meant to be a guideline for the course and the instructor reserves the right to make modifications as he sees fit.
This course will be a challenge but I guarantee that if you do the work you will learn some fascinating material. I look forward to having each of you as my student! GOOD
LUCK!