PHYS 525 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Survey of Fundamental Device Physics
Tuesdays, Thursdays, 11 - 11:50 pm, Loomis 262
Instructors:
Teaching assistant/grader: Zheyuan Li, zl142@illinois.edu
Course description
This course will introduce students to the underlying physical principles employed by various devices. As in Physics 524, we will introduce students to a broader spectrum of device principles than they will encounter in their Physics 523 projects. There will be two 50 minute classes each week. The list of topics–which is not intended to be exhaustive–will evolve, according to the interests of the class and instructors. Material will be clustered into units of varying duration, as indicated on the Topics page. The lists of suggested readings and references are advisory; a large amount of material of excellent quality is now available on the worldwide web, particularly on the sites of university courses addressing the topics of each unit. There are no formal prerequisites other than prior completion of a rigorous undergraduate major (or minor) in physics, astronomy, or a related field.
Learning objectives
As a result of completing this course, students will be able to
- Understand the physical principles and mathematical foundations governing the behavior of some of the devices, tools, and techniques that might be relevant to execution of technical projects.
- Understand the origins of the advantages and limitations of particular laboratory techniques that are imposed by fundamental physical principles.
- Learn to consider the tradeoffs–balancing advantages and disadvantages–associated with technology downselects.
Meeting times
Two 50-minute class sessions per week (Tuesday, Thursday 11 - 11:50 pm).
Credit and grading
Students must register for this course in the spring semester for a total of 2 credit hours. Grading is by letter weighted according to the percentages listed below:
Homework - 50%
There will be a homework assignment of 3-4 problems approximately every 1 1/2 weeks, depending on the topic. Each homework grade will reduced by 20% for each day late.
Project - 40%
The project objective will be to make a request to procure a commercial device for a particular application. The students will evaluate the device and present results in both written and oral formats. Students can choose a relevant device/application based on their project affiliation or interests. Further details will be discussed in class.
Attendance - 10%
Grading platform
Gradescope is used to post assignments and due dates, submit completed work, and access graded assignments.
Academic integrity
All activities in this course, including documentation submitted for petition for an excused absence, are subject to the Academic Integrity rules as described in Article 1, Part 4, Academic Integrity, of the Student Code.
Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT, can be valuable tools for learning. You are encouraged to use AI as a tutor to clarify concepts, or explore ideas through iterative conversations—similar to working with a peer, TA, or instructor. However, AI should not be used to directly copy-paste solutions or complete homework problems.
If you use generative AI, you must credit the source by including a comment with the original source of any information you incorporate into your work. Additionally, provide a brief description of how the AI was used, such as “assisted in organizing your presentation”. This helps ensure transparency regarding the use of AI in your work.
The goal of this course is to help you develop the knowledge and skills to solve problems independently. While AI can extend your capabilities, it should be used as a tool for learning, not as a substitute for the problem-solving process. Relying on AI-generated answers without engaging in the problem-solving process can hinder your intellectual growth and is considered academically dishonest. As with all academic tools, AI should be used responsibly to support, not replace, your learning.