FY550: Statistical Physics
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to:
- Have knowledge of basic thermodynamics.
- Be able to use mathematics.
Course introduction
(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.
Applications:
This course introduces the fundamental rules that describe how particles interact to collectively form matter on macroscopic scales, and thus provides ways to understand and calculate properties of matter. It therefore relates to many sustainability topics: The concept of temperature, for instance, is cardinal to the problems we are facing with climate change, and the roots of the subject (thermodynamics) goes back to steam engines and the need to understand how to efficiently convert between different forms of energy.
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
- 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
Tests
Written exam
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Duration
Examination aids
A closer description of the exam rules will be posted in itslearning
ECTS value
Additional information
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.
Intro phase (lectures): 23 hours
Training phase (tutorials): 23 hours
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.
Activities in the study phase:
Solving surplus problems from the tutorials.
Self-study of the textbook and notes.
Preparation for the exam.