Should I take solid state physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the decision of an undergraduate student considering enrolling in a solid state physics course, particularly one using the Kittel textbook. Participants explore the prerequisites from quantum mechanics and the relevance of statistical mechanics, as well as the overall interest and value of the course.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in taking solid state physics despite not having completed a quantum mechanics course, seeking advice on necessary quantum concepts.
  • Another participant finds solid state physics, particularly with the Kittel text, to be incredibly interesting and suggests that while quantum mechanics is foundational, much of the course relies on statistical mechanics.
  • A different participant emphasizes that solid state physics is more about conceptual understanding than mathematical problem-solving, likening it to statistical mechanics.
  • Several participants mention specific quantum mechanics topics that may be useful, including the particle in a box, the Schrödinger equation, and the Fermi-Dirac distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement on the value of solid state physics and the importance of having some familiarity with quantum mechanics. However, there are varying opinions on the extent to which quantum mechanics is necessary for success in the course.

Contextual Notes

Participants note specific quantum mechanics topics that may be relevant, but there is no consensus on a comprehensive list of prerequisites or the depth of understanding required.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students considering solid state physics, those interested in the relationship between quantum mechanics and solid state concepts, and individuals looking for insights into course content and prerequisites.

ZetaOfThree
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I am an undergrad and for the most part I am looking for a good physics class to take. I am considering taking solid state physics at the level of Kittel as its one of the only physics classes offered at the undergrad level this semester that I haven't taken. I haven't taken quantum mechanics yet (it's not offered this semester), but I have a decent grasp of it from self-study. I mention this because quantum is a prereq. What things from quantum should I be solid with for studying solid state physics? Also, do you think solid state is interesting? I'm not really taking this class for research interests or anything, just to further my general knowledge of physics. I plan to talk to the professor about all this, but I am still curious of your opinions. What do you think?
 
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Solid-State Physics (and the Kittel text) are incredibly interesting. One of my favorite classes. Even though solid-state physics is built on a foundation of QM, most of the math you use to solve problems is statistical mechanics and the rest is typically developed in the course. When I took it QM was used to develop the idea of quantum states in a periodic lattice, but after that explicit QM wasn't used much.

My guess is you'll do fine if you're at least familiar with QM, but yeah, ask the professor.
 
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Solid State Physics is very worth it. It was my favorite class next to statistical mechanics; it is a class which is not about math and number crunching, but more about learning how to think about solids, much like statistical mechanics is a class about learning how to think about large systems. You learn something new every time.

You need to know how to solve for a particle in a 1-D well and know what the Schrödinger equation is though.
 
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Thanks very much for the replies! I decided to enroll in the course but it doesn't start for a few days. What things from QM, stat mech, etc do you think it would be useful to review before the course starts?
 
Particle in a box. That is usually how they start in solid-state.
 
1. Fermi-Dirac distribution
2. Know what the Schrödinger equation is
3. Know how to solve it for a particle in a 1-D well.
 

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