Fall 2009: PHY 555
Instructor: Marivi Fernandez-Serra

Office: Physics B-141; office hours: Tues 11:00-12:00; Wed.3:00-4:00
The class will meet in Physics B-131, MWF 10:40-11:35 am
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Scope of the Course

A study of the fundamental principles and concepts of condensed matter physics.
By the end of the course, students should have a working knowledge of the fundamentals, sufficient to understand developments at the forefront of the field.

Syllabus (See Calendar for details)

Introduction
Free Electron Gases
Crystal Lattices
Electron Band Structure
Phonons
Interactions (Electron-Electron, Electron-Phonon)
Transport Properties
Optical Properties
Semiconductors
Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics
Magnetism
Superconductivity

Texts

Ashcroft and Mermin, Solid State Physics (required)
Ziman, Theory of Solids (required)
Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics
Kittel, Quantum Theory of Solids
Madelung, Introduction to Solid State Theory
Grosso and Parravicini, Solid State Physics
Mihaly and Martin, Solid State Physics; Problems and solutions.
Ibach and Luth, Solid State Physics

Homework Policy

Problem sets will be assigned every second Friday (or so). They will be due the following Friday and will be graded and returned the Friday after that. Late problem sets will not be accepted. Problem sets should be written up clearly. Rough drafts that cannot be read easily will not be accepted. While discussions with fellow students are encouraged, submitted work must be written in your own words.

Grading

Problem Sets -- 30%
Midterm -- 30%
Final -- 40%

Stony Brook University Syllabus Statement

If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning
disability that may impact your course work, please contact
Disability Support Services at (631) 632-6748 or
http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/dss/. They will determine with
you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate.  All
information and documentation is confidential.

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are
encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and
Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the
following website: http://www.sunysb.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities.shtml