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402-0871-00L 10 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MATH , D-PHYS
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Solid State Theory

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Vadim Geshkenbein
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the module PHY411 directly at UZH.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:15

Abstract

The course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field.

Objective

The course provides a theoretical frame for the understanding of basic pinciples in solid state physics. Such a frame includes the topics of symmetries, band structures, many body interactions, Landau Fermi-liquid theory, and specific topics such as transport, Quantum Hall effect and magnetism. The exercises illustrate the various themes in the lecture and help to develop problem-solving skills. The student understands basic concepts in solid state physics and is able to solve simple problems. No diagrammatic tools will be used.

Content

The course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field. The following subjects will be covered: Symmetries and their handling via group theoretical concepts, electronic structure in crystals, insulators-semiconductors-metals, phonons, interaction effects, (un-)screened Fermi-liquids, linear response theory, collective modes, screening, transport in semiconductors and metals, magnetism, Mott-insulators, quantum-Hall effect.

Resources

Lecture Notes

in English

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Solid State Theory
**together with University of Zurich** More information at:
  • Tue 13:45-15:30 (HPH G 1)
  • Fri 13:45-15:30 (HPH G 3)
4 h weekly
exercise Solid State Theory
**together with University of Zurich** More information at: Tue 16-17 or Tue 17-18
  • Tue 15:45-16:30 (HPV G 5)
  • Tue 16:45-17:30 (HPV G 5)
1 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mathematics Master
    • Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area.)
      • Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0204-00L Electrodynamics is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
  • Physics Master
    • Core Courses (One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.)
  • Quantum Engineering Master
    • Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
      • Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)