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NPCAM Junior Sophister

Building on the foundation courses taken in the Fresher years, students follow in-depth courses across the spectrum of modern physics, chemistry and materials science in Sophister years. The JS year consists of lectures, tutorials and practical delivered in modules, as listed at the bottom of this page (click the list to expand it). To reinforce and extend laboratory skills rising Junior Sophister students are required to attend a day-long workshop on Chemical and Laboratory Safety to be held in Freshers' Week (i.e. the week before lectures start) of Michaelmas Term. Attendance at this workshop is compulsory. Students also receive training in communication skills within the practical module. All modules are mandatory.

  • Physics Modules (20 ETCS)
    • Modules Semester Credits

    PYU33P01 Quantum Mechanics I

    This module covers solution of the Schrödinger Equation in specific topics, such as angular momentum and the hydrogen atom.     		S1 5

    PYU33P03 Condensed Matter I

    This module introduces condensed matter concepts such as crystal structure and thermal and electronic properties of matter.    		 S1 5

    PYU33P04 Condensed Matter II

    This module extends the discussion of condensed matter into the key areas of magnetic properties and the physics of semiconductors.    		 S2 5

    PYU33P02 Electromagnetic Interactions I

    This module covers the fundamentals of electromagnetic theory together with quantum optics and lasers.    		 S2 5
  • Chemistry Modules (40 ETCS)
    • Modules Semester Credits

    CHU33303 Quantum Mechanical Concepts in Physical Chemistry

    This module deals with quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and group theory.     		S1 5

    CHU33403 Analytical Methods

    This module deals with both the fundamental principles and application of spectroscopic and other characterisation techniques. Topics such as analytical chemistry, organic spectroscopy and structural methods in inorganic chemistry will be covered.     		S1 5

    CHU33104 Solid State Materials

    This module covers topics such as inorganic polymers, structural inorganic chemistry, synthetic methodologies and characterisation techniques of solid state materials.    		 S2 5

    CHU33305 Molecular Thermodynamics and Kinetics

    This module deals with thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electrochemistry and kinetics.     		S2 5

    CHU33610 Practical in Advanced Materials

    In this module students complete a number of advanced experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science. Minor components include training in communication skills, personal and career development and attendance at School Seminars.
    • Part I: Practical Laboratory - 22 experimental laboratory sessions of 6 hours each. The laboratory includes a number of advanced experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science, as well as exposure to the fundamental tools of modern nanoscience in specific CRANN oriented experimental activities. The latter CRANN activities are two intensive days of training in techniques such as chemical vapour deposition growth of nanotubes and graphene, characterisation of the same by way of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. More details of the practical laboratory component can be found on the local webpage for the JS nanoscience and advanced materials laboratory.
    • Part II: Communication Skills - 18 lectures/workshops. These lectures or workshops will focus on the following topics: The effective communication of scientific results and ideas as written reports and oral presentations. The structure of a scientific article. The role of graphics and diagrams. Style and vocabulary. Addressing an audience. Use of slides and overheads. Class members will give a short seminar to the entire JS lab group and write an essay on topical issues in materials physics, materials chemistry or nanoscience.
    • Part III: School Seminars - 8 seminars. Students are obliged to attend a selected number of School of Chemistry and School of Physics seminars which are related to nanoscience, materials chemistry, materials physics or related areas. These seminars occur on Thursdays at 12 noon in the case of the School of Chemistry, or Fridays at 12 noon in the case of the School of Physics.
      • The practical module(20 ECTS) is assessed by way of continuous assessment with a weighting of 88% for the practical laboratory and a weighting of 12% for the combined other components.
    		S1 & S2 20

    Assessment and Examination Procedures: Modules may be assessed by end-of-semester examination and/or continuous assessment. Further information relating to the assessed components and composition of written papers will be given in the Junior Sophister NPCAM Booklets issued to rising Junior Sophisters. JS marks contribute 35% of the final degree Moderatorship mark. The final Moderatorship mark or degree mark for students is based upon both the SS year mark and a carry forward from the JS year mark. The SS year mark contributes 65% and the JS year mark contributes 35% of the final Moderatorship mark.

    Final-Year Project: JS students must arrange their final-year research project . Please click here for detailed instructions.

    Last updated 21 January 2021 NPCAM@tcd.ie.

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