Material to be covered: First, we will discuss the various elements known in our universe, and how (and why) are they grouped in the periodic table as they are. This will give us some idea of how one could make solid materials (we will discuss crystals, primarily) out of various combinations of such elements, and what types of interactions keep these crystals together (you may already be familiar with ionic and covalent bonds from molecular chemistry; we will discuss these and other possibilities as well). We will then investigate what types of crystals can appear in nature, and how would one go about measuring the particular structure of a material (how many atoms are there, and how are they arranged spatially). Then, we will discuss the electronic structures of such crystals, which will allow us to understand differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators. We will also look at the effects of disorder, for instance to understand why doped semiconductors are such a big business. We will also study the simplest model of a metal, to get a feel for its transport and optical properties, and what controls them. After that, we will consider lattice vibrations to see their role in controlling various properties of a material. Hopefully, we will also have time to discuss some magnetic properties, and also other kinds of materials, like liquid crystals, polymers, etc.

As you can deduce even from this short description, studying condensed matter is not the easiest of endeavors, even if we study perfectly-ordered crystals (liquids, glasses and amorphous solids are even harder to understand quantitatively). Why? Well, because one certainly needs to use quantum mechanics to understand the energy levels of electrons in atoms and in crystals, and thus their properties. But, we want to understand what happens when we have huge numbers of such atoms together, to make a crystal, so statistical mechanics is also needed. Finally, electromagnetism is also important, since it is primarily electric interactions that keep these atoms together and govern the properties of these materials. This is why condensed matter is a bit challenging, as it requires one to bring together and integrate knowledge from various parts of physics -- but this is also what makes it very interesting and rewarding.

Since this is a first introductory course, we won't go overboard. What I hope to accomplish is to show you how with even very simple models, which require only very basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics and electromagnetism, we can gain a good qualitative picture of what is going on, and in some cases we will even be quantitatively in the right ball-park. I will also try to give you a perspective of what is required to take the next step and do better, and also hopefully some appreciation of the issues that are at the cutting edge of research in this field, nowadays.

Assigments: 5 sets every 2 weeks, with best 4 grades counting towards the final mark. The problem sets will be given to you in class; the problems, the solutions and the corresponding due dates are also posted on-line here. The homework must be turned in on due date in class. If you cannot make it to the class and can't ask a friend to bring your homework in, scan/take decent quality pictures of it and email it to me before the end of class. Problems should be neatly written, in the order assigned, on pages stapled together (no torn edges or paperclips). The solutions will be posted on-line immediately; as a result, late homeworks will not be accepted except in very extraordinary circumstances. Discussions with other students regarding the homework problems are encouraged. However, the writing of the homework must be done by each student on his/her own. If you cannot write down the solution on your own it means that you do not yet know how to solve the problem, and copying somebody else's solution is cheating. This is why under no circumstances should you copy or even look at someone else's solutions while writing your assignment. Identical homeworks will be severely penalized.

If you fail to find the correct and complete solution to any assignment problem, make sure right away that you understand the posted solution and are able to solve similar problems by yourself. If you cannot follow the posted solution, come and see me, or any of the graders, or discuss it with your best friends. Do not procrastinate! Things will not get any easier later on. As an incentive towards completing the assignments, one of the final exam problems will be identical to one of the assignment problems. Because I am human, there is a fair chance that the assignments may contain mispellings or other, more serious errors. Please let me know asap if you find such errors, so I can correct the online version.

Exams: the midterm will be scheduled during a regular class (50mins long). A list of useful formulae will be provided by me; no extra materials will be allowed. Calculators are not needed. If there is any potential scheduling conflict, let me know as soon as possible before the exam. A make-up exam is available ONLY for students with written evidence for emergencies such as sudden serious illness, accident, death in the family, etc. If you do not write the midterm (or a make-up midterm), your grade for it is 0. The final will be 2.5h long. As for the midterm, I will provide a list of useful formulae; no extra materials will be allowed. Calculators are not needed.

Grading:

• 5%: in-class participation
• 20%: best 4 out of the 5 assignments
• 25%: midterm
• 50%: final exam