| Unit name | Quantum and Topological Materials |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0074 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sven Friedemann |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Core Physics units in years 1, 2 and 3 |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
- |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
- |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Quantum mechanics gives rise to novel phenomena and properties of materials that have led to both a deeper understanding of nature and are being exploited for applications across health-care, sustainable energy, and computing. In this course, we will see that both every-day phenomena like magnetism and exotic phenomena like superconductivity emerge from the quantum-mechanical interaction of electrons in solids. We will also learn how magnetic fields can be used to create quantised states that are protected against disorder due to discrete topology. We will link the properties of quantum and topological materials to real-world applications through demonstrations and discussions.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit forms part of the fourth year options portfolio for physics students; a suite of options led by research in the School. Your choice of options will help to shape the physicist you will become. You acquire skills and knowledge relevant for a wide range of career opportunities in industry and research institutes. This includes companies developing superconducting magnets for fusion reactors and multinational companies developing sensors and electronics.
An overview of content
In this unit, we will link fundamental models to materials properties arising from quantum states of matter like magnetism, superconductivity, and topologically protected states. The course links to several famous Bristol physicists including Nevil Mott and Michael Berry and covers content directly linked to at least 13 Nobel prizes.
Topic areas will include
Electronic structure:
Magnetism:
Superconductivity
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will gain a strong working knowledge of materials at the quantum level, and will be able to relate this to current research and modern applications like superconducting motors and quantum computing.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
All teaching activities will be delivered face-to-face (barring intervention from exceptional events), and it is an expectation that you engage with these activities. Learning activities will be split across in-class activities (lectures, problems classes, office-hours) and those around your own private study (for example online quizzes, videos, textbook references etc.).
The unit is organised through our on-line learning environment (OLE). This is where you will find information about the unit, lecture notes, any pre-recorded videos, recordings of lectures and live sessions, access to online quizzes (where appropriate) and other learning resources.
The unit will consist of around 30 hours of content delivery with 10 hours of problems support. Along with this time there is an expectation of personal study in line with the University statement on student workloads.
Some sessions may require preparation beforehand (e.g. watching a video, reading a textbook chapter or journal article or similar); where these materials are provided, you should aim to spend around one hour of preparation time for one hour of face-to-face teaching. This will allow you to make the most of class discussions and activities.
In problems classes you will be able to discuss problems illustrating the course material with the lecturer or other experts.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Self-study problems will be available and will be complemented by regular problem classes where you can practise your skills of applying knowledge to new contexts. You will get written and verbal feedback. You will have opportunity to ask questions and join in-person discussions in problem classes and office hours.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the unit, you may have the opportunity to retake any failed components in the next available assessment period. *
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0074).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
