Offered to students admitted to Year 1 in ALL
Major/Minor ALL
Course Type
Offer in 2023 - 2024 Y N
Course Code PHYS3551
Date2023/09/24 21:05
Enquiry for Course Details
   <<< This course is not offered in 2023 - 2024. Course details are subject to change. >>>
PHYS3551 Introductory solid state physics (6 credits) Academic Year 2023
Offering Department Physics Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof J Gao, Physics < jugao@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved
Course Objectives To provides a broad introduction to modern theories of the behaviour and properties of the solid state of matter. It is designed as a self-contained course which at the same time will serve as a basis for more advanced courses and projects in solid state physics.
Course Contents & Topics Crystal structures and symmetry. The formation of crystals. The reciprocal lattice and X-ray diffraction in crystals. Lattice vibrations and thermal properties. Free-electron theory of metals. Energy bands; metals, semiconductors, and insulators. If time permits, special topics such as superconductor will be briefly mentioned.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 demonstrate knowledge for crystal structures and characterization
CLO 2 describe the behavior of solid matter and explain the underlying physical concepts
CLO 3 apply physical principles and mathematical equations to discuss the physical properties of materials
CLO 4 apply essential skills of making measurements with appropriate instruments in physics experiments
CLO 5 interpret the experimental data and compare with the prediction of underlying physical principle
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)
Pass in PHYS2260 and PHYS2265
Course to PLO Mapping
Offer in 2023 - 2024 N        To be confirmed Examination To be confirmed
Offer in 2024 - 2025 N
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply highly effective lab skills and techniques. Critical use of data and results to draw appropriate and insightful conclusions.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply effective lab skills and techniques. Correct use of data of results to draw appropriate conclusions.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply moderately effective lab skills and techniques. Mostly correct but some erroneous use of data and results to draw appropriate conclusions.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills. Apply partially effective lab skills and techniques. Limited ability to use data and results to draw appropriate conclusions.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective. Apply minimally effective or ineffective lab skills and techniques. Misuse of data and results and/or unable to draw appropriate conclusions.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 6
Lectures 36
Tutorials 8
Reading / Self study 80
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)
Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 20 CLO 1,2,3,5
Examination 2-hour written exam 50 CLO 1,2,3
Test 30 CLO 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials
C. Kittel: Introduction to Solid State Physics (John Wiley, 1986, 6th ed.)
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL
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