Solid state and quantum mechanic independence?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the independence between introductory solid state physics and introductory quantum mechanics courses, particularly in the context of a student's course selection in their third year of a Physics-Mathematics program. Participants explore the potential impact of taking both courses simultaneously on the learning experience.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a course in quantum mechanics is usually required before taking solid state physics.
  • Another suggests that a typical undergraduate solid state course should be understandable with only a rudimentary knowledge of quantum mechanics, but cautions that if the instructor expects prior QM knowledge, it may be drawn upon during the course.
  • A later reply emphasizes that certain topics in solid state physics, such as energy bands and semiconductor crystals, require a significant amount of quantum mechanics to understand properly.
  • The original poster expresses concern about missing key points in quantum mechanics that could affect their understanding of solid state physics, based on discussions with peers who felt that prior QM knowledge would have been beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus. Some believe that a basic understanding of quantum mechanics is sufficient for solid state physics, while others argue that a deeper knowledge of QM is necessary for certain topics within solid state physics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying opinions on the prerequisites and interdependencies of the two courses, highlighting the importance of course syllabi and instructor expectations in determining the appropriate background knowledge.

hadrons
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
HEY...so here I go!

Abstract: To determine the level of independence between an introductory solid state course to an introductory quantum mechanics course.

The deal is I’m going in my third year of a Bsc with honours (yes Canada lol) and specialization in Physics-Mathematics and I’m cornered in a tight spot, next semester I need to take Intro. To QM, Thermodynamics, theoretical physics and an introduction to numerical methods, but if I also take intro to solid state I save myself from taking an additional semester to my total program. So will it hamper my learning experience if I attempt to take both intro. to QM and SS at the same time? My current knowledge is QM is purely introductory at this point, mostly gained during modern physics. I just want to be able to extrapolate the most I can from SS without the fact that I might be missing some key points from QM for the majority of the course.

Let’s discuss the similarities of introductory courses in solid state and quantum mechanics.

Help inform me on their union and interception so I can make an educated decision!

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A course in quantum mechanics is usually required before taking a course in solid state.
 
You should really ask the instructor for a syllabus. A typical undergrad one semester intro to solid state should be completely understandable with only a rudimentary knowledge of QM. If the instructor expects you to have taken a QM course already though, chances are they're going to draw on it.
 
will.c said:
You should really ask the instructor for a syllabus. A typical undergrad one semester intro to solid state should be completely understandable with only a rudimentary knowledge of QM. If the instructor expects you to have taken a QM course already though, chances are they're going to draw on it.

The instructor for the course hasnt been chosen yet but here is the course description:

Crystal structure and its experimental determination. Cohesion in different solids. Crystal vibrations and thermal properties of solids. The Drude and Sommerfeld theories of metals. Energy bands. Semi-conductor crystals. Optical processes and excitons. Magnetic properties of solids. Dielectrics and ferroelectrics. Defects and dislocations. Noncrystalline solids.

thermodynamics being a corequisite, and the prerequisite being modern physics which is where i attained my QM knowledge but the problem is i talked to friends of mine about subatomic 1 which doesn't have the QM course as a prerequisite and they felt that having taken the QM course would of truly helped them in the process of understand the material even though they had taken modern physics.
 
hadrons said:
...Energy bands. Semi-conductor crystals. Optical processes and excitons. Magnetic properties of solids. Dielectrics and ferroelectrics. Defects and dislocations. Noncrystalline solids.

Those right there require a significant amount of QM to do it right...
 

Similar threads

Other Can I (with a math major) do a masters in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Asking For Information On Internships (I am interested in quantum information, solid-state, and many-body physics)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Courses Is It Wise to Delay Stat Mech for Solid State Based on Professor Reviews?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergraduate modern physics and condensed matter physics courses
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Courses Calc III and Solid State Physics courses in same semester?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Change of Major from Mechanical Engineering to Material Science
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Learning physics beyond classical mechanics without labs?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Materials or Solid State Course?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Should I take solid state physics?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Programs A couple of questions about applied physics Ph.Ds
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K