The aim of the course is to provide an overview of the basic physical properties of solids including:

crystal structure;
x-ray diffraction to determine crystal structure;
bonding of atoms in crystals;
reciprocal lattice and Brillouin zone;
crystal vibrations and properties of insulators;
electron theory of solids and properties of metals;
semiconductors;
magnetism and magnetic order;


On completion of the course, the students should be able to:
• demonstrate an understanding of the basic physical properties solids;
• apply this understanding to simple problems.