Study Programmes 2015-2016
PHYS0060-1  
Structures and Symmetries
Duration :
30h Th, 20h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in physics4
Lecturer :
Matthieu Verstraete
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
The aim of this course is to describe, determine and understand the various types of order observed in molecules and condensed matter, in relation to their physical properties. Symmetry plays a central role.
Overview of the course:
  • Order and disorder in condensed matter
  • Symmetry (Group theory)
  • Geometric crystallography
  • Bonding and main types of crystalline architectures
  • Scattering : basics and application to crystals
  • Determination of the structure of crystals
  • Crystalline defects and crystal growth
Learning outcomes of the course :
Main outcomes:
  • functional knowledge of symmetries and groups
  • knowledge of the nomenclatures of symmetry groups
  • usage of symmetry groups to reduce the complexity of a Physical problem
  • foundation for solid state course
  • foundation for the use of different groups (Lorenz, SU(2), SU(3), etc...) in Master's courses on field theory or relativity
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Basic physics Basic Chemistry - elements, bonds Fourier transform
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Exercices : 20h.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Course and problem sets in face-to-face teaching. Course slides are available on MyULg
Recommended or required readings :
Lecture notes.
Group Theory: Group Theory: Application to the Physics of Condensed Matter, Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Gene Dresselhaus, Ado Jorio, Springer éd. ISBN-10: 3642069452 Chapters 1-3
Condensed matter, crystal structure, and defects: Solid State Physics, Neil W. Ashcroft, N. David Mermin, Brooks Cole ISBN-10: 0030839939
Introduction to Solid State Physics, Charles Kittel, Wiley ISBN-10: 047141526X chapters 1, 2, 3 (crystals, symmetry), 19, 20 (defects - advanced)
Assessment methods and criteria :
Written report on the exercises with the CrystalMaker and CrystalDiffract programs. Contributes to 10% of the final grade.
Oral exam. Three questions are chosen at random on:
  • group theory
  • crystallography
  • defects and applications of crystallography
The questions are prepared at the blackboard and then presented by the candidate.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Prof. Matthieu Verstraete Universite de Liège Institut de Physique, Bat. B5a, 3/7 Allée du 6 aout, 17 Phone : +32 4 366 90 17 Fax : +32 4 366 36 29 Mail : matthieu.verstraete@ulg.ac.be
TA: Sébastien Lemal Physics Institute, building B5a, 12/8 Mail : slemal@student.ulg.ac.be