Postgraduate Courses
MSPY
Physics (MSc Program)
- MSPY 5001Semiconductor Devices and Processing[3-0-0:3]BackgroundUndergraduate-level quantum mechanics, solid state physicsDescriptionThis course will introduce the electronic, transport and optical properties of semiconductor materials and their relations with the device performance. Various fabrication techniques (i.e., MBE, MOCVD, PVD and CVD) and processing steps such as photolithography, etching, thermal oxidation, ion-implantation and thin-film deposition for semiconductor device fabrication will be presented.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the physics of p-n junctions, metal-semiconductor contacts, and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors.
- 2.Explain the basic working principles of transistors and photonic devices.
- 3.Understand the basic device processing steps and operation principles of the techniques involved.
- 4.Appreciate and better understand the advanced technologies involved in modern electronic devices.
- MSPY 5002Quantum Materials and Technologies for Quantum Devices and Sensors[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course is an introduction to the physics of quantum materials and quantum technologies at the graduate level. Topics include: qubits, quantum gates and quantum circuit model, entanglement and quantum communication, quantum algorithms and computing, and realization of quantum technologies in various physical systems.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Understand the basic concepts of quantum information physics.
- 2.Learn principles of quantum devices and their operational mechanisms.
- 3.Analyze simple quantum algorithms.
- 4.Understand how different physical systems realize quantum information, pros and cons of each system.
- MSPY 5003Metamaterials and Applications[3-0-0:3]BackgroundBackground of EM waves is required. Some computational background is helpful but not required.DescriptionThis course introduces the fundamental physics of metamaterials and their potential applications, e.g. for photonic/phononic devices. The course will enrich students with hands-on experience in modeling techniques to achieve new functionalities for these metamaterials.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Acquire a basic understanding of metamaterials.
- 2.Explain phenomena observed in metamaterials.
- 3.Perform modeling of metamaterials using various software tools.
- 4.Design devices to achieve specific functionalities.
- MSPY 5004Topological and 2D Materials: Physics and Applications[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe physics and potential application of topological and correlated phenomena appearing in two-dimensional material platforms will be covered: Chern and topological insulators, superconductivity, Mott insulator, quantum spin liquid, quantum hall effect, and superconductivity and edge state arising from 2D and topological materials will be introduced. The potential of these phenomena and platforms toward their use in opto-electronic, spintronic and quantum information applications are also discussed.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying topological and correlated phenomena in two-dimensional materials, including Chern and topological insulators, superconductivity, Mott insulators, quantum spin liquids, and the quantum Hall effect.
- 2.Apply theoretical knowledge of topological and correlated phenomena to real-world applications in opto-electronics, spintronics, and quantum information technologies, evaluating the potential of these materials for practical applications.
- 3.Analyze and interpret experimental data related to topological and correlated phenomena in two-dimensional material platforms, and draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to ongoing research in the field.
- 4.Critically evaluate research literature in the field of condensed matter physics, staying abreast of recent advancements and emerging trends related to topological and correlated phenomena, and effectively communicate their findings.
- 5.Design and conduct independent research/study projects focused on topological and correlated phenomena in two-dimensional materials, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation in their academic pursuits.
- MSPY 5110Data Analysis for Physics[3-0-0:3]BackgroundUndergraduate level mathematics, linear algebra and calculus. Particle Physics/QM is an advantage.DescriptionThis course serves as an introduction to statistical data analysis in its application to physics experiments. The topics covered include basic probability distribution functions, Monte Carlo simulation techniques, estimation of parameters, hypothesis testing and more.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Perform analysis of experimental data.
- 2.Estimate experimental statistical uncertainties.
- 3.Predict experimental results using Monte Carlo techniques.
- 4.Test hypotheses and estimate parameter values.
- MSPY 5120Contemporary Physics[3-0-0:3]DescriptionLatest advances in surface science, quantum and 2D materials science and technology, soft matters, biophysics, computational physics, particle physics and cosmology will be showcased.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Learn various advances in a wide range of physics topics.
- 2.Understand core principles of selected topics in physics, such as surface science, quantum and 2D materials, soft matters, biophysics, lasers, computational physics, particle physics and cosmology.
- 3.Recognize Physics as a multidisciplinary field related to many branches of science such as materials science, engineering, computer science and life science.
- 4.Communicate disciplinary knowledge and findings in written and/or oral form.
- 5.Appreciate the contribution of physics discoveries to many modern technologies.
- MSPY 5210Physical Properties of Materials[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces the various physical properties of materials such as mechanical properties (i.e., strength, durability, hardness, flexibility, etc.), optical properties (i.e., refractive index, absorption coefficient, luminosity, etc.), thermal properties (i.e., melting point, expansion, conductivity, etc.), electrical properties (i.e., resistance, conductivity, etc.) and chemical properties (i.e., pH, corrosion resistance, reactivity, surface tension).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Learn the mechanical, electrical and optical properties of various materials.
- 2.Understand the rationales for the materials used at different layers in some electrical and optoelectronic devices.
- 3.Analyze device performance limitation and durability from its material compositions.
- 4.Design device structure incorporating materials with specific functionality and physical properties to improve performance.
- 5.Understand and appreciate the important role materials play in many modern devices and technologies.
- MSPY 5220Experimental Techniques for Material Characterization[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces various techniques such as SEM, TEM AFM, XPS/UPS, XRD, Photoluminescence, Raman and optical spectroscopy to characterize the physical, optical and electronic properties of film and nanomaterials.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Learn various methods and techniques for characterizing bulk crystals, films and micro/nanostructures.
- 2.Understand the basic principles of various materials characterization techniques and their application to the quantification of material properties.
- 3.Design and plan experiments to assess the physical, optical and electronic properties of materials using various characterization techniques.
- 4.Assess the technical feasibility of potential applications based on the structural, morphological, and spectroscopic properties of materials.
- MSPY 5230Computational and Simulation Tools[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces hardware and software computational and modeling tools. Hands-on experience on some common mathematics and physics simulation and modeling software such as MATLAB, Mathematica, COMSOL Multiphysics and ANSYS Lumerical will be presented. The basics about CPU, GPU and their applications in high performance computing in areas such as operating systems, parallel program design and quantum computation will also be introduced.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify hardware requirement for high performance computing.
- 2.Explain the basic structure of CPU and GPU.
- 3.Use the basic algorithms for some of the numerical problems.
- 4.Explain the basics about parallel computing.
- 5.Use some standard software to simulate or numerically solve problems in physics and related areas.
- MSPY 5240Computational Methods in Science[3-0-0:3]BackgroundBasic knowledge of multivariable calculus and linear algebra is required. Basic knowledge of ordinary and partial differential equations is preferred.DescriptionBasics of numerical analysis; Random processes and Monte Carlo method; Matrix methods and Eigenvalue problems; Ordinary differential equations: Initial and Boundary value problems; Partial differential equations; Systems of nonlinear equations; Optimization problems and optimization algorithms; Spectral analysis: Fourier transform, Wavelet Transform, Hilbert-Huang Transform; Causality and information flow.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply numerical methods to study random processes.
- 2.Apply numerical methods to solve initial and boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations.
- 3.Apply numerical methods to solve partial differential equations.
- 4.Apply numerical methods to solve systems of nonlinear equations.
- 5.Apply practical optimization algorithms to optimization problems.
- 6.Apply spectral methods to analyze real-world systems.
- MSPY 5250Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Science[3-0-0:3]BackgroundPython programming, Basic Probability Theory, Introduction to Linear AlgebraDescriptionThis course provides students with an overview of the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) focusing on machine learning (ML) and its applications. It introduces several popular AI/ML Python software packages with an emphasis on the practical aspect of using existing software to solve problems in science. Throughout the course, students will learn systematically a set of commonly used ML models together with a framework for training, validating, and evaluating models. Students will also gain intuition and heuristics via hands-on experiences of using modern AI/ML techniques in their homework assignments and projects. Students without the prerequisites but possess equivalent background knowledge may seek instructor's approval for enrolling in the course.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain basic knowledge about the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
- 2.Apply state-of-the-art Python AI/ML packages to build popular models to solve realistic problems such as regression and classification.
- 3.Gain hands-on experiences of using AI techniques in scientific research.
- 4.Develop frameworks for using AI techniques to solve specific scientific problems.
- 5.Understand and appreciate the impact and challenges of AI on society and science.
- MSPY 6001Advanced Research Projects[3 credits]DescriptionExperimental or theoretical research project under supervision of a faculty member. Program Director’s approval is required. A final report and presentation by the student is required at the conclusion of the project. May be graded PP.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Learn new physics and/or enhance their computational skills through their projects.
- 2.Formulate strategies and experiments to reach a certain goal or complete a task/project.
- 3.Enhance their communication skills through the interaction with the supervisor, group mates and project presentation.
- 4.Develop a good foundation for a career in industrial/academic research or further study.
- MSPY 6771MSc Physics Seminars and Tutorials[0-1-0:1]DescriptionExposure in latest development in science and career paths through Physics departmental seminars, and invited speakers from industry to talk about career/job/research. This course lasts for one year. The students are required to attend the seminars and tutorials in two regular terms. Graded PP, P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the latest and key developments in materials and computational physics areas from the research seminars and expert sharing talks.
- 2.Participate in small group discussions with confidence on various topical issues.
- 3.Apply communication skills at work, both as individuals and when in large groups.
- 4.Search for and retrieve information on a variety of topics relevant to career development, postgraduate study and lifelong learning.
- 5.Apply basic skills for preparing successful resumes, cover letters and job interviews.
