Course - Statistical Physics - TFY4230
TFY4230 - Statistical Physics
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: Written examination
Grade: Letters
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skriftlig | 100/100 | 4 timer |
Course content
Stochastic processes. Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics. Probability distribution of microstates in thermal equilibrium. Microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical emsembles. Connection to thermodynamics. Ideal gas, interacting classical gases. Simple spin systems, one-dimensional Ising model in an external field. Lattice vibrations, photons, and Planck's law of radiation. Quantum statistics. Non-relativistic and relativistic fermions and bosons at high and low temperatures. Bose-Einstein condensation. First and second order phase transitions. Critical indices and scaling laws. Use of numerical packages for simulation and analysis of selected models from statistical physics.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
The course provides an introduction to statistical physics, mainly for systems in thermal equilibrium. The student should understand quantum and classical statistical mechanics for ideal systems, and be able to judge when quantum effects are important. The student should understand the connection between microphysics and thermodynamics.
Skills:
The student should be able to perform quantitative calculations on ideal systems, be able to formulate models of more realistic systems, and be able to use standard numerical packages for simulation and analysis of such.
General competence:
The student should have acquired a foundation for advanced courses in physics, specially those involving many-particle systems. The student should be able to analyze and debate society problems of energy, environment and climate based on fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical physics.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and compulsory exercises. The re-sit examination (in August) may be changed from written to oral.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
Recommended previous knowledge
Course TFY4165/FY1005 Thermal Physics or equivalent.
Course materials
Main book: J. O. Andersen: Introduction to Statistical Mechanics 2008.
Additional literature: R. K. Pathria: Statistical Mechanics, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd (1996).
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIF4056 | 7.5 |
Version: 1
Credits:
7.5 SP
Study level: Third-year courses, level III
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: AUTUMN 2014
Language of instruction: English
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- Physics
- Technological subjects
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Physics
Examination
Examination arrangement: Written examination
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
- Autumn ORD Skriftlig 100/100 2014-12-19 09:00
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Room Building Number of candidates - Summer KONT Skriftlig 100/100 2015-08-05 09:00
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Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"