EP 409 Applied Solid State Physics (Autumn 2017-18)

Instructor Name: Prof. S. S. Major

Course Type: Honours / Elective

Pre-requisites: Introduction To Condensed Matter Physics, PH 107

Course Content: Condensed Matter and Solid State Physics, Theoretical tools (Maxwell’s equations, Schrodinger equation, Statistical thermodynamics) and experimental tools (Physical properties, Conditional Variables)

Other Topics Covered: Crystal Structure, Free Electron Theory of Metals, Quantum Theory of Energy Bands in Solids, Semi-classical Model of Electron Dynamics, Lattice Vibrations, Semiconductors, dHvA effect, Cyclotron, Hall effect, Transport Phenomena (Conductivity, Magneto-resistance), Fermi Surfaces - ALL in great detail!

Books: Ashcroft and Mermin, Kittel

Lectures: Excellent lectures, 100% attendance policy enforced strictly, small class size, hence prof. knows everyone by name, great quality teaching of slides + board usage, all slides uploaded

Assignments: Biweekly assignments, all tutorials solved in class, excellent quality questions (some truly memorable ones too!)

Exams and Grading: Open book closed notes exams!

Follow up courses: Any applied CMP course/project!

Pro-Tips: He is the BEST PROF. in our dept., when it comes to teaching. He can make you love any course and give your academic life a good and life-changing kick!
Attend all lectures, as far as you can. He makes it worth any effort you have to put in to get to class.
This course is not only for those who like CMP, but due to the simplified way in which it runs, can be undertaken by anyone who is willing to attend all lectures and be punctual with tutorials and assignments.
High grades incumbent for all UGs.
Loads of invaluable Phy and life lessons in store in the course.

Personal Comments: Just attend the first lecture of the course, and you will see why he is being rated so high by me. A good prof. is a must in any course you undertake, regardless of its apparent utility. Keep that in mind.
I didn't like the name CMP when I entered IIT and avoided this part of EP as much as I could, and now I am pursuing a PhD in this field, and all credit goes to Major Sir. An awesome teacher like him can make any course a life-changing one. Highly recommended for those with no biases and those who love Physics and its applications in everyday life and its simplicity!

Respondent: Sheetal Jain

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