MENA2000 ¨C Fundamental structure of solid materials

Course content

What does a diamond look like on the atomic scale? How is that different from silver, or silicon? And how can the electron conduction of silver be best in class, while diamond does not conduct electrons at all? To understand functional materials, it is paramount to understand and be able to describe atomic structure, and how this affects functional properties. Only this way can we find new materials with targeted properties for the next generation of energy- and technology systems.

MENA2000 is an introductory course to atom- and electronic structure in solid materials. You will learn the subject from two sides; physics and chemistry, such that you can join together what has typically been two separate fields. The course is a mandatory part of Fornybar energi og nanoteknologi (bachelor), and uses examples from the energy- and nanotechnology solutions of tomorrow. The course can be interesting as an optional course in other programs.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you have acquired:

• Insight in the structure of solids on an atomic scale?
• Fundamental understanding of how symmetry limits the structure of solids, and how this affects the properties
• Fundamental understanding of how abstract algebra is essential in the description of symmetry and structure of solids
• Understanding of the periodicity of crystals, and the driving force behind this periodicity
• Ability to discus how waves propagate in a crystal, and an understanding of why this is an important phenomenon in the description of thermal- and electronic properties
• Understanding of vibrations in molecules and the connection this has to phonons in periodic structures
• Fundamental understanding of molecular orbital theory, and how this gives rise to bands in periodic structures
• Understanding of how electronic band structures emerge, and the ability to describe these
• Ability to use digital tools to construct and visualize crystal structures, in addition to describing phonon and electron dispersion phenomena

Admission to the course

Students at UiO register for courses and exams in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Recommended previous knowledge

• MENA1001 ¨C Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology?or KJM1101 ¨C Generell kjemi
• FYS1120 ¨C Electromagnetism
• MAT1100 ¨C Calculus
• MAT1120 ¨C Linear Algebra
• KJM1121 ¨C Inorganic Chemistry

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with MENA3000 ¨C Functional materials (discontinued).
• 3 credits overlap with FYS3410 ¨C Condensed matter physics (continued).

Teaching

The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department has to be informed in advance (e-mail studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course.

• 4 hours of lectures every week
• 4 hours of workshops

This course has 3 mandatory assignments that must to be submitted and approved before you can sit the final exam.

Examination

• Final written exam (4 hours) which counts 100 % towards the final grade.

This course has mandatory assignments that must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

Examination support material

Approved calculator

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.