Admission requirements
Core course in MSc Chemistry for Sustainability. Elective course in MSc Chemistry for Health, MSc Physics, MSc Life Science and Technology.
Description
The increasing demand for high-tech solid-state materials—ranging from advanced semiconductors and energy conversion devices to quantum materials and photonic components—highlights the need for a deep understanding of the principles that govern their behavior. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of solid-state materials chemistry and physics, with a particular focus on the interplay between atomic structure, bonding, and macroscopic properties. Students will explore how structural motifs and chemical composition affect electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal behavior in solids.
We will begin with foundational concepts such as crystal symmetry, lattice vibrations, and the electronic structure of solids, viewed through the lenses of band theory and molecular orbital theory. Building on this framework, we will examine the mechanisms of charge and heat transport, and how these relate to real-world materials performance. Applications discussed will include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaic devices, solid-state lasers, and other technologies where the design of materials at the atomic and nano scale is key to functionality.
In addition to regular lectures and a written exam, students will work in small groups to analyze a recent review article on an emerging class of materials. Each group will present their insights to the class, fostering discussion and critical evaluation of cutting-edge research. The course will also feature guest lectures by leading scientists from academia and/or industry, offering perspectives on current challenges and innovations in the field of solid-state materials.
Course objectives
At the end of this course the student is able to:
1. Explain the fundamental principles underlying the structure, bonding, and properties of solid-state materials.
2. Analyze electronic band structures and phonon dispersion relations to understand charge and heat transport in solids.
3. Evaluate how synthesis methods and structural features influence the functional properties of materials.
4. Apply concepts from quantum chemistry and solid-state physics to interpret the behavior of technologically relevant materials (e.g., semiconductors, photovoltaics, LEDs).
5. Interpret and understand experimental characterization data (e.g., X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy) to determine material structure and properties.
6. Critically assess current literature in the field and synthesize findings from review papers to identify trends and future research directions.
7. Design and deliver a clear and coherent presentation on a specific class of solid-state materials, demonstrating teamwork, scientific communication, and depth of understanding.
Timetable
Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes.
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
Weekly lectures and exercise classes.
Assessment method
Written exam (80%)
Presentation (20%)
Reading list
Solid-State Materials Chemistry, Patrick M. Woodward, Pavel Karen, Thomas Vogt, John S. O. Evans, Cambridge University Press.
Chemical Bonding in Solids, Jeremy K. Burdett, Oxford University Press (recommended literature).
Solids and Surfaces - A Chemist's View of Bonding in Extended Structures, Roald Hoffmann, Wiley (recommended literature).
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Remarks
According to OER article 4.8, students are entitled to view their marked examination for a period of 30 days following the publication of the results of a written examination. Students should contact the lecturer to make an appointment for such an inspection session.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.