Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2025
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Superconductivity: Physical properties of superconductors, theoretical models of superconductors (London, BCS and Ginzburg-Landau theories), type-I and type-II superconductors, high-temperature superconductors, the vortex state and vortex dynamics, Bean's model, the Josephson effect, quantum interference, SQUID, measurements and applications of superconductor
Magnetism: Diamagnetism, paramagnetism, interaction between spin spin-orbit coupling, the Ising model, the Heisenberg model, ferromagnetism antiferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, spin waves, susceptibility, magnetic domains, fundamental quantum magnetism, measurements and applications of magnetism.
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student must be able to:
Apply fundamental concepts in superconductivity and magnetism.
Orally present one of the course's concepts with high demands on rigor and clarity
Preparations before course start
Literature
The lectures and the course are based on the following two course books.
M, Andersson, Introduction to applied superconductivity, compendia, KTH
S. Blundell, Magnetism in condensed matter physics, Oxford Unviersity Press, ISBN 978-0-19-850591-4
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
DIG1 - Digital examination, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
INL1 - Hand-in problems, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
SEM1 - Seminar, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
DIG1 - Digital examination, 2.5 credits
This is an individual examination through weekly quizzes in Canvas (6 quizzes in total). You have maximum two attempts on each quiz and your best result will be used for grading.
INL1 - Hand-in problems, 2.5 credits
During the course, you will be divided into working groups who will work together to solve some more demanding problems on a weekly basis. The final examination of this part of the course is through a short individual oral exam.
SEM1 - Seminar, 2.5 credits
You will study a chosen subject related to macroscopic quantum phenomena more closely and make a short presentation to you classmates.
Final grade
The final grade is set based on a wwighted average of the grades on the three parts of the examination. You need to have a pass grade on all parts to obtain the final grade. The final grade in the coursee is given on the grading scale A, B, C, D, E.
More details about the examination is given on the Canvas pages of the course.
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
It is not possible to raise an approved pass grade in this course.
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Changes of the course before this course offering
Improved clarity about the components of the examination.
