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.
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.
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.
Background acquired in courses in Physical Chemistry I, II, III, General Physics, Institutional mathematics, numerical calculus
Lectures that are strongly recommended. Lecture slides will be made available during the teaching.
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.
T.L. Hill An introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics
C.Kittel Introduction to Solid State Physics
Ricevimento: All days by appointment
From March 3, 2025 ( for more details plese check this link)
Oral exam of about 50/60 minutes with the use of the blackboard.
The reasoning ability of the student as well as his ability to solve very simple problems is evaluated.
Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the University’s website at the page servizionline.unige.it in the “Studenti” section.
Subsequently, well in advance (at least 10 days) before the exam date, an email must be sent to the instructor of the exam. The email must also be sent in copy (cc) to both the School Inclusion Coordinator for students with disabilities and SLD (sergio.didomizio@unige.it) and the relevant University Office. The email must include the following information:
The Coordinator will confirm to the instructor that the student is eligible to request accommodations and that such accommodations must be agreed upon with the instructor. The instructor will then reply indicating whether the requested accommodations can be granted.
Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the instructor sufficient time for evaluation. In particular, if the use of concept maps is intended during the exam (which must be much more concise than those used for studying), failure to meet the submission deadline will not allow sufficient time for any necessary modifications.
For further information regarding the request for services and accommodations, please consult the document: Linee guida per la richiesta di servizi, di strumenti compensativi e/o di misure dispensative e di ausili specifici
