Solid state and quantum mechanic independence?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the potential challenges of taking an introductory solid state course alongside an introductory quantum mechanics course in a physics program. The individual is in their third year of a BSc with a specialization in Physics-Mathematics and is considering this course load to avoid extending their program duration. Key points include the necessity of understanding quantum mechanics to grasp solid state concepts effectively, as many topics in solid state physics, such as energy bands, semiconductor properties, and magnetic characteristics, require a solid foundation in quantum mechanics. While some believe that a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics may suffice for an introductory solid state course, others emphasize that having completed a quantum mechanics course would significantly enhance comprehension of the material. The importance of consulting the course syllabus and instructor regarding prerequisites and expectations is also highlighted, as this can clarify the relationship between the two subjects and inform the decision-making process.
hadrons
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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
 
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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...
 

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