Study Programmes 2016-2017
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
Learning unit 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 learning unit :
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
Items online :
PHYS0060 - VESTA crystal files for visualization
These files are readable with the VESTA free crystal structure visualization software

http://jp-minerals.org/vesta/en/download.html

VESTA also reads many other formats found online: cif, xsf, xyz (positions without a unit cell), pdb (molecules and proteines)

NOTA BENE: you have to remove the final .txt extension so that your operating system will recognize the file type.

VESTA will accept the file whichever extension you give it (the content is the same).