Subject description
Content: This course on the basic theory of Statistical Mechanics covers: the quantum state of a system of particles, ensembles, multiplicity functions, system in contact, energy and particle exchange, entropy and temperature, Gibbs and Boltzmann factors, partition functions, fluctuations, identical particles, classical and quantum gases, blackbody radiation, the Debye theory … For more content click the Read More button below.
Enrolment rules
Pre-Requisite
Delivery
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Teaching staff
Subject coordinators
Lecturers
Tutors
Engagement hours
Contact Hours:3 hr lecture, 3 hr practical
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in thermal physics, including multiplicity, temperature, entropy, free energy, chemical potential, Gibbs and Boltzmann factors, etc.
2.
Describe and discuss binary spin system, ideal gas, simple harmonic oscillator, black body radiation ;
3.
Describe partition function, photon distribution, Debye theory of solids and phonons, Fermi and Bose functions, phase transition ;
4.
Apply learnt concepts and theories to describe and discuss semiconductor statistics, Bose-Einstein condensation, surperfluidity ;
5.
Describe thermodynamic relations and identities;
6.
Successfully work in a team and
7.
Independently find relevant information and use it in solving problems.
Assessment details
Lab activities and written reports
Assignments
Final exam
Work integrated learning
Applied WIL:This subject has "Applied WIL". Students in this subject will experience both coursework and a work-related opportunity that typically includes interaction and feedback with industry.
Textbook information
There is no single text for this subject. Lecturers will provide the list of resources (book/chapters) to be read within each topic. The reference list below is a guide to supportive textbooks, copies of which are in the library.
Recommended Readings:
Thermal Physics, by C. Kittel and H. Kroemer; 2nd edition Freeman, San Francisco 1980.