FY550: Statistical Physics
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: Danish
EKA: N500052102
Assessment: Second examiner: External
Grading: 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Spring
Level: Bachelor
STADS ID (UVA): N500052101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 07-10-2019
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to:
- Have knowledge of basic thermodynamics.
- Be able to use mathematics.
Course introduction
The aim of the course is to enable the student to understand statistical
(or emergent) properties of physical systems, which is important in
regard to condensed matter, astrophysics, computational physics and a
later course in statistical physics.
(or emergent) properties of physical systems, which is important in
regard to condensed matter, astrophysics, computational physics and a
later course in statistical physics.
Philosophy of science aspects are included in a discussion of the inductive element of statistics. In particular, the inherent knowledge loss of chaotic dynamics is used to bridge deterministic and statistical model descriptions and to justify the main axiom of equilibrium statistical physics and thermodynamics.
The course
builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses FY529 or FT500 and provides the
knowledge basis for studying condensed matter and statistical physics
and astrophysics, that are part of the degree program.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Give the competence to use statistical methods
- Give skills to model physical systems.
- Give knowledge and understanding of the examples discussed.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- use statistical arguments to describe physical problems.
- interpret experimental data and / or numerical data.
Content
The course comprises the following main topics:
- Mathematical formalism and connection to thermodynamics
- Classical and quantum ideal gases, Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics
- Crystal vibrations, black-body radiation
- Phase-transitions in classical and quantum mechanical systems
- Mean field theories
- Numerical applications of statistical physics.
Literature
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Spring
Tests
Oral exam
EKA
N500052102
Assessment
Second examiner: External
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
5
Additional information
The oral exam is based on two written projects.
The examination form for re-examination may be different from the exam form at the regular exam.
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model ie. intro, training and study phase. In the skill training pase the students will have the opportunity to
work with the concepts and methods presented in the intro phase by
solving specific problems.
Educational activities:
- Preparation for the tutorials and the examination project.
- Self-study of the textbook and notes.
- Preparation for the exam.