2024 Faculty Courses School of Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering Graduate major in Energy Science and Informatics
Advanced Metal Physics
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Energy Science and Informatics
- Instructor(s)
- Ji Shi
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 7-8 Tue / 7-8 Fri
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- ESI.J401
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this course, classical model and quantum mechanics model for free electron will be studied in order to understand the electron state in metals. And these theories are used to explain the nature of electrical properties of metals. In the second part, Langevin paramagnetism, molecular field theory, exchange interaction will be introduced to understand ferromagnetism and magnetic properties of metals. Practical applications and latest research results in the related areas will also be introduced.
Course description and aims
The objective of "Advanced Metal Physics" is for the first year graduate students in materials science and related areas to understand the relationship between the electronic structure and physical properties of metals systematically.
Keywords
Free electron theory, DC conductivity, Fermi Energy, Density of states, Fermi-Dirac statistics, Magnetism, Magnetisation, Magnetic Domain, Magnetic anisotropy, Application of magnetic materials
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
At the beginning, the main points of the previous lecture will be summarised. Then the main points of the day's lecture will be explained and discussed in detail. At the end, students are asked to solve problems using the knowledge they have learnt at the day's class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to Metallic Bond | Understand the relationship between metallic bond and the characteristics of metals. |
| Class 2 | Drude Free Electron Model | Understand the classical free electron model. |
| Class 3 | DC Conductivity, Frequency -dependent Conductivity | Using Drude's Model to explain Ohm's law and electrical conductivity of metals. |
| Class 4 | Sommerfeld Free Electron Model | From some problems, the limitation of Drude's model is explained, and the free electron model with fundamental quantum mechanics applied is introduced. |
| Class 5 | Fermi Enenrgy, Fermi Surface, Density of State | Introduce and discuss some fundamental concepts. |
| Class 6 | Fermi-Dirac Statistics, Thermal Properties of Free Electron Gas | Discuss Fermi-Dirac distribution function, and understand the thermal properties of free electrons using the distribution function. |
| Class 7 | DC-Conductivity (With F-D Statistics), Hall Effect | Explain the DC conductivity using the free electron model with F-D statistics applied. |
| Class 8 | Practice 1 | Mid-term Exam, to check the level of understanding. |
| Class 9 | Application of Magnetic Materials | The milestones in the development of magnetic materials and the applications of magnetic materials are introduced. |
| Class 10 | Definitions and Units | Explain the basic concepts and units in magnetism. |
| Class 11 | Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism | Understand the origin of atomic magnetic moment, and their reaction to magnetic field. Introducing Langevin paramagnetism. |
| Class 12 | Ferromagnetism | Explain ferromagnetism using molecular field theory. |
| Class 13 | Magnetic Thin Films | The fabrication and characteristics of magnetic thin films is introduced as an allocation of learnt knowledge. |
| Class 14 | Practice 2 | Discussing and solving problems in order to deepen the understanding. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Textbook specified by the instructor and handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Gerald Burns 『Solid State Physics』 Academic Press,
B.D. Cullity, C.D. Graham 『Introduction to Magnetic Materials』 Wiley,
Robert C. O'Handley 『Modern Magnetic Materials』 Wiley
Evaluation methods and criteria
Quizzes and exercises (20%), Midterm exam (40%), Final exam (40%)
Related courses
- None
Prerequisites
Fundamental knowledge of crystal structures