Physics and Engineering

The module is meant for BSc(Hons) and deals with advanced fundamental concepts of Solid State Physics that prepares the student for both theoretical and experimental physics at Masters and doctoral level. It prepares the student for research work in the field. It contains advanced concepts in solid state physics and materials science.

Content:

Crystal Structure, Wave Diffraction and the Reciprocal Lattice, Crystal Binding and Elastic Constants,

 Crystal Vibrations & Thermal Properties of Solids,  Free Electron Gas Model,  Energy Bands in Solids,

Semiconductors, Fermi Surfaces and Metal, Superconductivity,  Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism,

Ferromagnetism and Antiferromagnetism,  Plasmons, Polaritons, and Polarons,  Optical Processes and Excitons,  Dielectrics and Ferroelectrics ,  Surface and Interface Physics,  Low Dimensional  structures, Point Defects and Dislocations and Alloys.

Assessment

Continuous assessment mark (40%, consisting of 2x 2-hr tests, at least one project), 1x3-hr exam (60%).

 Welcome to the module SPHY111/4PHY111 (Classical Mechanics and properties of Matter). The module is meant for entry level B.Sc. and contains fundamental concepts of Physics and Engineering that prepares the student for later study in more advance fields in the Physical Sciences. It contains basic concepts in classical mechanics and properties of matter. 

This module has six formal contact hours (lectures and tutorials) in a hybrid format, that a combination of both contact and online. There would be three hour practical session each week. You are expected to attend ALL lectures, tutorials and practicals. 

My contact details are as follows: Tel: 035 902 6386; Email: Mengistieg@unizulu.ac.za,  Office: Block E, no. 6.

Please read the attached module information sheet, which will be discussed in our first lecture.

All the announcements will be posted on this news forum.

Solid State Physics & Materials Science

This course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and theories applicable to solid state physics and material science 

By the end of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate an ability to use circuit theories, principles and laws to solve both dc and ac circuit problems; an ability to use characteristics of various electronic devices in the analysis of electronic circuit; and an ability to consolidate theory and practice in simple electronic applications performance.
Assessment  is continuous involving written assignments, quizzes, written tests, practical reports. These formative assessments will contribute to 40% of the final module mark and a final formal end of module written assessment will contribute 60% to the final mark of the module.

The purpose of the module is to give the students an introduction to the concepts and theories applicable to quantum and statistical physics. By the end of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate an ability to illustrate, derive and discuss theories, principles and laws relevant to quantum statistics, quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Assessment  is continuous involving written assignments, oral presentations, written tests, practical reports, and a final formal end of module written assessment (100%)

This module covers some basic Physics which is important foundation material for many aspects of science. Because of its importance, it is prescribed as an essential module for the study of almost all curricula in the natural sciences. It consists of two sections: Mechanics, which is about the motion, or equilibrium, of objects under the influence of forces and Properties of Matter, which deals with some basic properties of solids, liquids and gases as well as the principles of waves, such as is observed in light.
In order to make these topics accessible to all science students, the matter is treated in this module (other than is the case for SPHY111) in a way that avoids the more difficult mathematics, like calculus. The mathematics required for this course is no more than that done in school up to Grade 12.
We trust that you will find the module interesting and that the concepts introduced here will be of value to you throughout your life.

This courses is designed to develop computational  knowledge and skills necessary for a student solve problems in physics and related sciences. The programing environments explored in the course will include Python (MATLAB) and MS Excel.

Assessment  will be by term tests (25% and a final exam (60%).

A project(15%) will be part of the assessment to allow the student to consolidate knowledge gained in the course.

This course is designed to introduce the students to concepts, laws and  theories applicable to electromagnetism and its applications. At the end of the course, the students should  be able to visualise and solve problems involving static electric and magnetic fields. They should demonstrate an understanding of the properties of the materials and their effects on the fields. They will be able to solve problems involving material interfaces (boundaries)

Assessment  is continuous involving written assignments, oral presentations, written tests, practical reports (50%) and a final formal end of module written assessment (50%)