The University of Sheffield
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Our specialist physics degree courses

Our other courses: Physics courses, Astrophysics courses

Entry requirements for specific courses

These degrees are taught jointly by the Department of Physics and Astronomy with the Departments of Cardiovascular Science, Chemistry and Computer Science. The courses will cover a wide range of topics and will, for example, include modules on diagnostic and therapeutic applications, physical and mathematical aspects of modern chemistry and computer-based physics projects.

Andy FryWhat our students say

"I have really enjoyed my time at Sheffield studying Physics with Medical Physics. Studying core physics modules gave me a broad grounding in physics, while the specific medical physics parts of the course allowed me to develop a specialism in an area which is of great interest to me. The Medical physics group at Sheffield has the advantage of being based in a hospital environment ensuring that their research, and the teaching we receive, is always relevant and cutting edge. The opportunity to undertake two research projects with the group has been interesting and extremely valuable. The course has prepared me well for employment in a variety of physics roles. Now I have decided to continue with medical physics and will be joining the NHS on their Scientist Training Programme following graduation."

Andy Fry (BSc Medical Physics)

Core and optional modules

Examples of the 4 year MPhys Physics with Medical Physics degree modules are shown below. Our 3 year BSc course includes the content shown up to Year 3.

Sample module descriptions

Detailed descriptions of some modules are shown below. Most of the modules are assessed by a combination of examination (around 70%) and coursework (30%).

Year 1

Introduction to Bioengineering

This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to biological and medical problems and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of bioengineering and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to the development of the fast growing field of bioengineering.

Physics of Living Systems

The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

Year 2

Biomedical Instrumentation

The module is designed around the measurement needs in hospital-based critical care monitoring and in particular how the instrumentation engineer can help the clinician to answer a specific but vital question: is tissue oxygen delivery adequate? This central clinical scenario is used as the basis upon which to describe a number of key topics in transducer design and signal processing. An important feature of the module is that key topics in electrocardiography, respiratory monitoring and signal processing are illustrated via 5 hands-on lab sessions, whose continual assessment forms a substantial part of the overall module mark.

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electromagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role is examined by a brief consideration of radiotherapy.

Year 3

Modelling and Simulation of Natural Systems

This unit will provide a practical introduction to techniques used for modelling and simulating dynamic natural systems. Many natural systems can be modelled appropriately using differential equations, or individual based methods. In this unit, students will explore and understand both modelling approaches. They will gain knowledge of the assumptions underlying these models, their limitations, and how they are derived. Students will learn how to use MATLAB to simulate and explore the dynamics of computational models, using a variety of examples drawn from both natural systems.

Clinical Engineering and Computational Mechanics

The complexity of the geometry and boundary conditions of structures within the body are such that the physical governing equations rarely have closed-form analytical solutions. This module describes some of the numerical techniques that can be used to explore physical systems, with illustrations from biomechanics, biofluid mechanics, disease treatment and imaging processes. The primary technique that will be used is the finite element method, and the fundamental concepts behind this powerful technique will be described. The lectures will be supported by laboratory sessions in which the student will apply commercial codes to investigate problems in the medical sphere.

Year 4

Hospital or Industrial Placement

It is recognised that students in year four are keen to experience the working environment to assist in career selection. This module meets this need by providing an opportunity to work with a practising physicist or engineer in an appropriate hospital or industrial environment.

Biological Physics

This module will introduce students to biological physics, that is, the application of principles and tools from physics to biological systems. Biological materials are often soft condensed matter with properties between those of simple liquids and solids. In addition biological matter is usually out of equilibrium due to internal biochemical sources of energy. Students will begin to explore the world of biological cells and biopolymer macromolecules, such as DNA. They will see how physics can help understand biological systems through mathematical models and experimental imaging techniques and how this can lead to new physics and applications in biology.

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Detailed module descriptions

Year 1 modules

MAS165

Mathematics for Physicists

  • Revision and applications. Basic vectors; unit vector; addition of vectors.
  • Scalar and vector products. Differentiation of vectors; velocity; speed, acceleration in cartesian coordinates.
  • Radial and transverse components of velocity and acceleration and their application to simple problems in mechanics.
  • Straight line in three dimensions. Equation of a plane perpendicular to a given direction through a point and through three points. Distance of a point from a line and from a plane.
  • Advanced vector analysis: Elementary partial differentiation. Grad, div and curl in cartesian coordinates. Simple geometrical applications. Problems in electrostatics. Introduction of cylindrical and spherical polars and formulae for grad, div and curl in these coordinates.
  • Multiple integrals: Repeated integrals, double integrals, volume integrals (including cases of cylindrical and spherical polars) and simple applications.
  • Line integrals, surface integrals.
  • The Theorems of Gauss and Stokes. Simple applications.

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MPY101

Physics of Living Systems 2

The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.

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PHY101

Mechanics, Electricity, Waves and Relativity

This first of the two modules.
Level 1 Physics course, provides a basic grounding in elementary mechanics including Newton's Laws of motion and gravitation, the conservation laws of momentum and energy and collisions. The rotational dynamics of rigid bodies is covered, together with moments of inertia and angular momentum. Electromagnetism I covers the Coulomb force, concepts of electric field, potential and potential energy. Also included are capacitance, Kirchhoff’s laws and simple networks. The waves course involves a description of transverse and longitudinal waves, sound, interference, Doppler effect and other topics. The relativity course includes time dilation, Lorentz contraction, Lorentz transformations, and introductory relativistic energy and momentum.

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PHY102

Heat, Magnetism, Optics and Quantum Mechanics

Together with PHY101, this full module constitutes the Level 1 Physics course. It consolidates and develops electromagnetism from A level or Foundation Year standard to the point where, in the second year, it can be used as a firm foundation for courses in solid state and atomic physics. It provides a general introduction to the phenomena of sirations and waves with examples from mechanic and optics. The course reaches the edge of quantum mechanics at its end. Throughout, emphasis is placed on concepts, the encouragement of independent study and development of problem solving skills.

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PHY112

Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers

This module provides the necessary semester 1 mathematics for students taking physics and/or astronomy degrees. The following topics will be covered: basic algebra (functions, coordinate systems, algebraic manipulation etc), Taylor and binomial series, common functions of one variable, differentiation and integration techniques, basic complex numbers, first and second order differential equations, matrices and elementary probability theory. This module will generally be taken in conjunction with MAS165 module.

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PHY113

PHY114

Professional Skills in Physics 1 & 2

Training in practical laboratory work, Introduction to scientific computing, Errors, uncertainties and data analysis, Techniques of problem solving, Scientific Writing.

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Year 2 modules

MPY205

Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology

This module provides an introduction to medical radiation physics (both ionising and non-ionising) and emphasises its diagnostic role in medicine. The course begins with an introduction to the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and proceeds to explore the breadth of their application across the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes magnetic resonance imaging at low energies and X-rays at high energies. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is covered by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role involves brief consideration of radiotherapy.

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PHY221

Classical Physics

Topics in classical physics aims to complete and conclude the student's understanding of the nonrelativistic "clockwork universe". Topics treated will be mainly drawn from mechanics, properties of matter and waves. An aim will be to treat topics for their own sake, in the context of applications, and also for the spinoff in terms of valuable practice in the use of mathematical methods applicable in many branches of physics. The module will include lectures, problem solving sessions (tutorials and problems classes), and assessed
homework. Areas covered are: dimensional analysis, free and driven oscillators, coupled oscillators, waves including light waves, light in matter, coordinate systems and frames of reference, rotating frames of references and fictitious forces, Lagrangian formulation of mechanics, central forces.

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PHY227

Optics

Wave optics, interference, diffraction, the single and double slit, circular aperture, diffraction gratings, grating spectrometers, Fabry Perot interferometers, polarisation of light, Fresnel coefficients, Brewster law, fibre optics, optical imaging, lasers.

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PHY230

PHY231

Experimental Physics 1 & 2

PHY231 is a laboratory course which aims to develop skills in carrying out experimental physics, the use of instruments and other equipment, the analysis of experimental data, a careful approach to experimental accuracy, the estimation of experimental errors, the interpretation of observations with respect to theoretical prediction and the reporting and presentation of scientific results.

PHY231 is a laboratory course similar to PHY230 and is an extension of that module. It is intended to expose single honours students to a wider range of different types of experiments than they could expect to meet by following the single module.

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PHY248

Physics with LabVIEW

The module will teach LabVIEW software, and allow students to experiment with instrumentation and basic electronics. These skills will be useful in further years of study, particularly with regard to the Level 3 and 4 projects. These skills are also useful in future employment in both academic and industrial science and engineering where being able to develop laboratory instrumentation to solve experimental problems will be highly desirable.

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PHY250

From Thermodynamics to Quantum Mechanics

This module provides a rigorous introduction to quantum mechanics via the Schrodinger equation and its application to a number of quantum systems. The concepts of operators and eigenstates in quantum mechanics and the importance of measurements are considered. The second main field of modern physics, special relativity, is applied to the study of the dynamics of particles travelling with velocities close to the speed of light. Thermodynamics is applied to model a number of thermal system and provides an understanding of the eventual heat death of the universe. The nature of the structure and dynamical properties of solids is covered. The physics content of the module is supported by relevant mathematics, including differential equations needed to understand a wide range of dynamic systems and the maths behind MP3 encoding.

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PHY251

From Electromagnetism to Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Continuing the study of quantum mechanics this module applies the Schrodinger equation to increasing complex systems and considers some of the puzzles and paradoxes that arise in this field. The physics of the very tiny, atoms and nuclei, builds on the quantum mechanics developed in this and the previous module. Statistical physics demonstrates how basic probability concepts can be used to accurately model a wide range of systems from gases to photons. The properties of electrons in a solid, vital to our understanding of technologically important metals and semiconductors, is covered. A full description of the properties of electric and magnetic fields is developed; leading to the prediction of electromagnetic waves.

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Year 3 modules

MPY308

Clinical Engineering and Computational Mechanics

The complexity of the geometry and boundary conditions of structures within the body are such that the physical governing equations rarely have closed-form analytical solutions. This module describes some of the numerical techniques that can be used to explore physical systems, with illustrations from biomechanics, biofluid mechanics, disease treatment and imaging processes. The primary technique that will be used is the finite element method, and the fundamental concepts behind this powerful technique will be described. The lectures will be supported by laboratory sessions in which the student will apply commercial codes to investigate problems in the medical sphere.

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MPY321

MPY322

Medical Physics Project 1 & 2

The aim of the medical physics project is to provide an opportunity for students to develop and apply their skills to a research problem. A range of projects is offered across the spectrum of physics and engineering applications, and many will address current medical or clinical needs. Students are encouraged to work in groups of two or three to develop team skills and to conclude with a formal presentation to graduate staff in the city hospitals.

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PHY303

Nuclear Physics

This half moduleLevel 3 Physics course aims to cover the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity and interactions with matter, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission, fusion and the bomb, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter plus the best of all motives curiosity.

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PHY304

Particle Physics

This Level 3 Physics half module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) – or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.

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PHY313

Mathematical Physics

Linear algebra: matrices and vectors; eigenvalue problems; matrix diagonalisation; vector spaces; transformation of basis; rotation matrices; tensors; Lie groups; Noether's theorem. Complex analysis: analytic functions; contour integration; Cauchy theorem; Taylor and Laurent series; residue theorem; application to evaluating integrals; KronigKramers relations; conformal mapping; application to solving Laplace's equation.

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PHY320

Nuclear Astrophysics

The aims of this Level 3 Astronomy module are: To examine the evidence for the present distribution of the chemical elements in the Universe; To study the various nuclear processes that have led to the evolution of these elemental abundances; To discuss the possible astrophysical objects where these elements are produced.

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PHY323

Dark Matter and the Universe

This course will cover the following:

  • Basics of relevant units and conventions and a reminder of basic cosmology.
  • A review of galactic dynamics and galactic halos as relevant to understanding the origin of the dark matter problem, including the isothermal sphere, flattened halos, late infall models, cusps, and clumping.
  • Study of rotation curves of galaxies and the evidence for dark matter from these.
  • Gravitational lensing and the evidence for dark matter that this brings from microlensing, strong lensing and weak lensing.
  • Extragalactic evidence for dark matter including from application of the virial theorem to clusters, gravitational lensing by clusters and large scale flows.
  • Overview of early universe cosmology and the role of dark matter including application of N body simulations.
  • Estimates for cosmological abundance of dark matter from microwave background radiation and other observations.
  • Basics of primordial nucleosynthesis bounds on the abundance of baryonic matter and the implications for baryonic dark matter candidates.
  • The thermodynamics of dark matter and introduction to hot, cold and warm particle dark matter candidates.
  • The role of dark matter in structure formation and relation to limits on the abundance of hot dark matter and on formation scenarios for cold dark matter in the early universe.
  • The neutrino as a dark matter candidate.
  • Review of cold dark matter candidates, relevant particle physics, couplings and cross sections, and the anticipated properties of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) as the best motivated candidate.
  • Calculation of the expected interaction rate and nuclear recoil spectrum of WIMPs in matter.
  • Modification of the expected WIMP recoil spectrum from our motion in the galaxy and from nuclear physics.
  • Requirements of WIMP detection experiments including survey of the different detector technologies, liquid, gaseous, scintillator and low temperature detectors current state of the field and current limits.
  • Axions as a dark matter candidate, theoretical motivation from the strong CP problem, the properties of axions and how to detect them with resonant cavity detectors, current state of the field and limits.
  • Dark energy and evidence from supernova probes of acceleration parameter.
  • Dark matter and the fate of the Universe.
  • Conclusion and overview.

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PHY333

Statistical Physics

Statistical Physics is the derivation of the thermal properties of matter using the underlying
Microscopic Hamiltonians. The aims of this course are to introduce the techniques of Statistical Mechanics, and to use them to describe a wide variety of phenomena from physics, chemistry and astronomy.

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PHY341

PHY342

Physics Project 1 & 2

The aim of this half module is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise and develop their skills and ability to undertake independent, albeit closely supervised, research in physics. A very wide selection of projects is provided, often arising from current research in the Department. Many are practical, others are essentially theoretical or interpretative or require the development of computer programmes designed to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. Most projects are collaborative and encourage students to work in pairs. Assessment is based on individual written reports and oral examinations. These provide exercise in presentational skills.

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PHY380

Solid State Physics

This is the final core solid state physics module. It covers the classification of solids into the three types conductors, semiconductors and insulators, the free electron model, the origin of electronic band structure, the fundamental properties of conductors and semiconductors, carrier statistics, experimental techniques used to study carriers in a solid, the classification and physics of the principal types of magnetism.

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PHY382

Semiconductor Physics and Technology

This module builds on the core solid state physics modules to provide an introduction to semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic devices and modern developments in crystal growth to produce low dimensional semiconductor structures (quantum wells, wires and dots). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered.

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Year 4 modules

MPY401

Medical Physics Research Project

A research project is offered to students in year four and provides a vehicle for deeper study of a topic of particular interest. The student will work alone or in a small team under academic and/or clinical supervision (students are encouraged to be pro-active in the specification of these projects within the areas of interest of the academic staff). The work of the project will give the students experience and practical laboratory/compute skills in a real research/clinical environment. They will develop hypotheses and ideas linked with a specified research project and undertake in depth experiments and analyses to test the hypothesis, with in depth knowledge of the specific research literature. Insight will be gained into the critical factors involved in developing timelines for research, reading, critical evaluation and writing skills.

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MPY424

Hospital or Industrial Placement

It is recognised that students in year four are keen to experience the working environment to assist in career selection. This module meets this need by providing an opportunity to work with a practising physicist or engineer in an appropriate hospital or industrial environment.

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PHY420

Biological Physics

This module will introduce students to biological physics, that is, the application of principles and tools from physics to biological systems. Biological materials are often soft condensed matter with properties between those of simple liquids and solids. In addition biological matter is usually out of equilibrium due to internal biochemical sources of energy. Students will begin to explore the world of biological cells and biopolymer macromolecules, such as DNA. They will see how physics can help understand biological systems through mathematical models and experimental imaging techniques and how this can lead to new physics and applications in biology.

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PHY421

Advanced Particle Physics

The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern particle physics. Focussing on the standard model it provides a theoretical underpinning of this model and discusses its predictions. Recent developments including the discovery of the Higgs Boson and neutrino oscillation studies are covered. A description of the experiments used to probe the standard model is provided. Finally the module looks at possible physics beyond the standard model.

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PHY422

Magnetic Resonance: Principles and Applications

The module will provide an overview of the basics of magnetic resonance, and then consider its applications in systems ranging from macroscopic living organisms, as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) widely used in hospitals, to Nanoscale systems where control of single or a few spins is now possible and can also be used for nanoimaging. Special attention will be paid to recent advances in solidstate nanoNMR and the control of single electron spins in solid state nanosystems using spin resonance techniques.

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PHY435

Physics in an Enterprise Culture

This is a seminar and workshop based course with a high level of student centred learning. The unit will introduce students to the methods and skills associated with project proposing, planning, costing, intellectual property issues, patenting and marketing. It will broaden students’ understanding of the mechanics of project suggestion, planning and implementing. The course is divided into two main themes:
Theme 1: Project Proposal. Here, students have to make a reasoned case for a new and original piece of research. Students will form part of a series of small ‘panel meetings’
to assess the strengths and weaknesses of work submitted by other students on PHY435.
Theme 2: Product Invention. Here, students are expected to propose a new technological invention or service, and pitch the idea to a group of ‘experts’. Students are also required to propose a business case for a new commercial venture (‘Who wants to be a millionaire?).

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PHY466

Development of Particle Physics

The module describes the development of several crucial concepts in particle physics, emphasising the role and significance of experiments. Students are encouraged to work from the original literature (the recommended text includes reprints of key papers). The module focuses not only on the particle physics issues involved, but also on research methodology the design of experiments, the critical interpretation of data, the role of theory, etc. Topics covered include the discoveries of the neutron, the positron and the
neutrino, experimental evidence for quarks and gluons, the neutral kaon system and CP violation etc.

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PHY469

Physics of Soft Condensed Matter

Soft condensed matter is a generic name for a class of materials that play a crucial role in technology as well as providing fascinating and timely scientific problems. These complex materials are typified by polymers, gels and colloidal dispersions, whose properties often seem intermediate between ordinary liquids and solids. Familiar examples from everyday life include plastics, soaps and detergents, foodstuffs, and indeed the material from which living organisms are constructed. Only relatively recently has it been realised that despite the complexity of these materials elegant and simple physical principles often underlie their behaviour; this course provides an introduction to these principles.

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PHY472

Advanced Quantum Mechanics

This module presents modern quantum mechanics with applications in quantum information and particle physics. After introducing the basic postulates, the theory of pure and mixed states is developed, and we discuss composite systems and entanglement. Quantum teleportation is used as an example to illustrate these concepts. In parallel with mixed states we develop the theory of imperfect measurements and the evolution of quantum systems that interact with an environment (open quantum systems). Next, we develop the theory of angular momentum, examples of which include spin and isospin, and the method for calculating Clebsch Gordan coefficients is presented. We discuss the relativistic extension of quantum mechanics, covering the Klein Gordon and Dirac equations and their solutions, and we give the equation of motion of a relativistic electron in a classical electromagnetic field. Finally, we explore some topics in quantum field theory, such as the Lagrangian formalism, scattering and Feynman diagrams, and modern gauge field theory.

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PHY475

Optical Properties of Solids

This course covers the optical physics of solid state materials. It begins with the classical description of optical propagation. It then covers the treatment of absorption and luminescence by quantum theory, and the modifications caused by excitonic effects. The phenomena are illustrated by discussing the optical properties of insulators, semiconductors, and metals. The infrared properties of ionic systems are then discussed, and the course concludes with a brief introduction to nonlinear crystals.

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