After successfully completing this course the student will able to:

1. Explain the fundamentals of the free energy of solid solutions; the stable state of an alloy; homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibrium;

2. Explain the fundamentals of statistico-thermodynamical theory of alloys, quantum-mechanical model of interatomic interactions and total crystal energy in the nearly free electron model;

3. Explain the pseudopotential theory (PP) of interatomic interactions: potential seen by an atomic electron; dielectric screening; the concepts of pseudoatom and pseudopotential; the band structure energy of metals and alloys; total internal energy of alloys.

4. Explain and apply the PP theory for crystal structure stability calculations of elements; theory of phase boundaries and structure stability of the alloy systems; ordered phases, their structures and existence conditions.