Postgraduate taught 

Advanced Functional Materials MSc

Magnetism & Superconductivity PHYS4010

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Physics and Astronomy
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course will explore the key principles and applications of Magnetism & Superconductivity, and their relevance to current developments in physics.

Timetable

18 lectures, typically 2 lectures per week

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

 

Unseen examination, comprising compulsory short and long questions.

 

Coursework, in the form of group problems and short questions.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

Reassessment of the main diet examination is normally available for students on PGT degree programmes if they do not achieve an overall course grade of C3 at their first attempt. Reassessment of the main diet examination is normally available for students on designated BSc degree programmes if they do not achieve an overall course grade of D3 at their first attempt. Reassessment of the main diet examination is not normally available for students on Honours degree programmes.

 

Reassessment is not normally allowed, for practical reasons, for any other assessed components of coursework.

Course Aims

The aims of this course are:

1. To describe the key physical principles of magnetism and superconductivity

2. To explore the theory and applications of ferromagnetism and the macroscopic behaviour of ferromagnets

3. to explore the basic properties, phenomenology and applications of superconducting devices at low and "high" temperatures.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Magnetism and Superconductivity through the description and analysis of processes, relationships and techniques relevant to the following topics: diamagnetism and paramagnetism; ferromagnetism; macroscopic behaviour of ferromagnets; applications of magnetic materials; achievement and measurement of low temperatures; superconductivity - basic properties and phenomenological description; superconductivity on a microscopic scale; superconducting devices; ceramic "high temperature" superconductors.

2. Write down and, where appropriate, either prove or explain the underlying basis of physical laws relevant to the course topics, discussing their applications and appreciating their relation to the topics of other courses taken.

3. Apply the ideas and techniques developed in the lectures to solve general classes of problems which may include straightforward unseen elements.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.