Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHYS 465 D100

Solid State Physics (3)

Class Number: 5046

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 385 or CHEM 364, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Crystal structure, lattice vibrations and thermal properties of solids, free electron model, band theory, and applications. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

  • Crystal Structure – Bravais lattice, Miller indices, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zone, diffraction
  • Lattice Vibrations – harmonic approximation, phonons, lattice specific heat
  • Free-Electron Theory and Metals – Fermi surface, electronic specific heat, electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Band Theory of Solids – nearly-free electron model, tight-binding model, Bloch electrons, electronic band structure
  • Semiconductors and Insulators – band gaps, carriers, dopant impurities, effective mass, chemical potential, electrical conductivity
  • Superconductors – Meissner effect, vortex state, thermodynamics, specific heat, isotope effect

Grading

  • Homework 30%
  • Midterms 20%
  • Final Exam 50%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required text:
1. S. Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics ISBN:9780199680764

 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.