OVERVIEW

The Solid State Physical Chemistry teaching is a free-choice, 4CFU course with topics pertaining purely to the field of physical chemistry. To take this course, the student must have solid background  in Mathematics and Physics and must have taken Physical Chemistry III a  solid background in  quantum mechanical is mandatory.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the student with the molecular basis for an understanding from the statistical point of view of the three laws of thermodynamics. The second objective is the understanding of the phenomena that define the electrical and electronic behavior of solids.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aim to provide the student the molecular basis for an understanding from a statistical point of view of the thermodynamic. Second objective is the acquisition of the fundamental knowledge for understanding the phenomena defining the electrical and electronic behavior of solids. At the end of the course the student is expected to have acquired - the knowledge and the problem-solving attitude necessary for molecular understanding of thermodynamic laws and the phenomena of thermal and electrical conduction in solids; - the ability to solve simple theoretical problems related to the topics of the course.

PREREQUISITES

Background acquired in courses in Physical Chemistry I, II, III, General Physics, Institutional mathematics, numerical calculus

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures that are strongly recommended. Lecture slides will be made available during the teaching.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course presents two distinct topics: an introduction to the concepts of thermodynamics as seen from a molecular point of view, i.e., statistical thermodynamics, and a study of the basic aspects of conductors and semiconductors. Statistical thermodynamics: distinguishable and indistinguishable particles; Maxwell-Boltzmann approximation; calculation of the main thermodynamic quantities by statistical means: heat work and internal energy (1st principle), entropy (2nd principle); hints at the behavior of bosons and fermions. Electronic properties of solids: free electron theory in metals; band theory in solids; semiconductor theories and applications; superconductors. The detailed course syllabus will be available on aulaweb and will be discussed with students during the teaching.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

T.L. Hill An introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics

C.Kittel Introduction to Solid State Physics

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

From March 3, 2025 ( for more details plese check this link)

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam of about 50/60 minutes with the use of the blackboard.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The reasoning ability of the student as well as his ability to solve very simple problems is evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.