PVB306 Solid State Physics and Quantum Statistics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PVB306 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | PVB206 and PVB207 |
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $596 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $2,682 |
| International unit fee | $2,976 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB306 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 6 |
| Pre-requisite: | PVB206 and PVB207 |
| Coordinator: | Soniya Yambem | soniya.yambem@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The development of new materials is pivotal for the technology advancements of our society, with outcomes in every aspect of human life, spanning from reducing our environmental impact, to improving communication and computing, to achieving a better healthcare. The aim of this unit is to establish fundamental concepts and physical principles that describe the behaviour of solids at both the macroscopic level and at the atomic level. This is an advanced unit that builds upon conceptual physical and mathematical principles of earlier units (in particular quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics) and you will apply them to understand the properties of real-world materials. Through lectures, practical classes and simulations the unit will provide you with strong foundation in solid state physics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain qualitative and quantitative concepts in solid state physics.
- Apply critical reasoning and problem solving to conduct, analyse and draw conclusions from practical activities
- Communicate in writing complex physical concepts to specialist audiences
Content
- Crystal structures and lattices
- Electrons in solid
- Band structures of solid
- Physics and semiconductors and solid-state devices
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through a theory-to-practice approach. You will participate in in-class lectures, which will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Collaborative learning modules (workshops) and projects to develop conceptual and applied knowledge and skills. You will develop your critical knowledge of the field and have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills to problem-based examples during supervised practicals or online tutorials. In addition, you will work in groups to complete an assignment on analysis, simulation and visualisation of physical phenomena. You will have the opportunity to do additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts and other resource materials provided in lectures and online. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the integrated lectures and collaborative learning program.
You can expect to spend between 10 – 15 hours each week attending scheduled classes, undertaking self-directed independent study to consolidate your learning, and preparing for and undertaking assessment tasks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the teaching period to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. Immediate oral and written feedback on learning progress will be given at the collaborative learning sessions. You will receive individual written feedback on your group tasks according to the assessment criteria. Formative problem solving tasks will receive timely oral and written feedback throughout the period of study. Written solutions will be provided for the set problem solving tasks.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment for this unit is designed to measure your understanding of the key concepts and your ability to apply and implement theoretical developments in practice.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Project Report
You will have to submit a project report on the laboratory sessions on topics in relation to solid-state physics.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Examination (Written)
Short and long answer written examination
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
No additional cost associated with this unit
Resources
All learning materials for this unit will be provided on its Canvas site. Recommended textbooks are listed below for reference.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Introduction to Solid State Physics, by C. Kittel, 8th Ed.
Solid State Phusics, by N. Mermin & N. Ashcroft
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of ordinary risks associated with this unit. Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. You will be given a safety induction before commencement of laboratory work. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Project Report, Examination (Written) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, Project Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Project Report - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO3, Project Report
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Project Report, Examination (Written) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, Project Report - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO2, Project Report - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO3, Project Report