Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Magnetic Properties of Solids
Code PHYS399
Coordinator Dr LA O'Brien
Physics
lobrien@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

Students will develop an understanding of the phenomena and fundamental mechanisms of magnetism in condensed matter. They will be able to assess and compare the quantum mechanical interactions at play in different solids, and their impact on observable magnetic properties.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Atomic structure basis for magnetic moments.

(LO2) Definition of Magnetisation, magnetic susceptibility, diamagnetism, paramagnetism

(LO3) Magnetic moments of ions.

(LO4) Crystal fields and local environments

(LO5) Magnetic ordering, M vs T curve.

(LO6) Types of magnetic order: Ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism.

(LO7) Quantum origin of magnetism


Syllabus

 

• Atomic structure basis for magnetic moments.
• Definition of Magnetisation, magnetic susceptibility, diamagnetism, paramagnetism.
• Magnetic moments of ions.
• Crystal fields and local environments
• Magnetic ordering, M vs T curve.
• Types of magnetic order: Ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism.
• Quantum origin of magnetism
• Exchange interactions
• Magnetism in metals.
• Magnetic Anisotropy, domain formation, hysteresis.
• Measurement of magnetic order


Teaching and Learning Strategies

10 x 1 hour lectures (asynchronous, online)
Lectures cover core material for the course

5 x 1 hour group discussion sessions (synchronous, online)
Sessions covering worked examples of core material for the course

2 x 1 hour tutorials (synchronous, online)
Discussion of set problems

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           7

10

17
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 73

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
time-controlled online examination  90 minutes    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
mid-module continuous assessment task  1.5 hours    40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.