Chris Patrick
About me
I am an Assistant Professor working in the Theory groupLink opens in a new window in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. Previously I was a Departmental Lecturer in the Department of MaterialsLink opens in a new window at the University of Oxford, and I have also worked in the Department of PhysicsLink opens in a new window at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
Research
The underlying aim of my research is to understand properties of materials in terms of the individual electrons and nuclei that they are made of. This approach involves using high-performance computers to solve the quantum mechanical equations which govern the behaviour of the electrons at the sub-nanometre level. The theoretical methods I use to solve these equations are generally based on density-functional theory (DFT). An important aspect of my research is to connect my calculations with experimental data, both to test the accuracy of the theoretical methods, but also to help interpret the experiments.
One of the advantages of DFT is that it can be used to study a very wide range of materials. My focus is on functional materials, which have been developed to fulfil a specific purpose. I am particularly interested in magnetic materials, which are used in all sorts of interesting and important applications.
Teaching
I lecture the module on Kinetic Theory (PX449)Link opens in a new window to Y3 undergraduates, and also the Electronic Structure part of the module on Quantum and Atomistic Modelling (PX911)Link opens in a new window to postgraduates.
Join the group
Please see the opportunities page.
Contact
| Office | PS130 (First floor of the Physical Sciences building) |
| Address | Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL |