Statistical Physics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Physics

Either both of

• 640-214 Quantum Mechanics & Special Relativity
• 640-213 Thermal & Classical Physics

Or one of

• 640-223 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics Advanced (prior to 2009)
• 640-243 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics (prior to 2009)

And Mathematics

Either both of

• 620-231 Vector Calculus
• 620-295 Real Analysis with Applications

Or

• 620-296 Multivariable & Vector Calculus (prior to 2010)

For students who commenced second year level mathematics prior to 2009:

One of

• 620-231 Vector Analysis (prior to 2009)
• 620-233 Vector Analysis Advanced (prior to 2009)
• 620-231 Vector Calculus

And one of

• 620-232 Mathematical Methods (prior to 2010)
• 620-234 Mathematical Methods Advanced (prior to 2009).

Students may only gain credit for one of

• 640-384 Statistical Physics
• 620-322 Statistical Physics Advanced (prior to 2009)
• 620-342 Statistical Physics (prior to 2009)

Statistical mechanics, the microscopic basis of classical thermodynamics, is developed in this subject. It is one of the core areas of physics, finding wide application in solid state physics, astrophysics, plasma physics and cosmology.

Using fundamental ideas from quantum physics, a systematic treatment of statistical mechanics is developed for systems in equilibrium. The content of this subject includes ensembles and the basic postulate; the statistical basis of the second and third laws of thermodynamics; canonical, micro-canonical and grand-canonical ensembles and associated statistical and thermodynamic functions; ideal quantum gases; black body radiation; the classical limit and an introduction to real gases; applications to solid state physics; and the Boltzmann equation and an introduction to kinetic theory.

Students completing this subject should be able to:

• explain the statistical basis of the second and third laws of thermodynamics and the application of statistical mechanics to a range of problems in physics;
• calculate statistical and thermodynamic functions using the canonical, micro-canonical and grand-canonical ensembles; and
• analyse and interpret mathematical expressions obtained in these calculations.

Two assignments each equivalent to 1500 words during the semester (10% each) and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

• analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations.
• apply abstract concepts to real-world situations.
• solve relatively complicated problems using approximations.
• participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions
• manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake the written assignments and the examination.