Statistical Physics

Subject PHYC30017 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites:

Physics

Either both of

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

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

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

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)
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

And one of

  • 620-232 Mathematical Methods (prior to 2010)
  • 620-234 Mathematical Methods Advanced (prior to 2009).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may only gain credit for one of

  • PHYC30017 Statistical Physics
  • 620-322 Statistical Physics Advanced (prior to 2009)
  • 620-342 Statistical Physics (prior to 2009)
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Andy Martin

Contact

Email: PHYC30017@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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 and applications to solid state physics.
Objectives:

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.
Assessment:

Two assignments each equivalent to 1500 words during the semester (10% each) and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Prescribed Texts: D J Amit and Y Verbin, Statistical Physics: An Introductory Course, World Scientific
Recommended Texts: K Huang, Introduction to Statistical Physics, Taylor and Francis
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.
Notes: This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Chemical Physics (specialisation of Physics major)
Mathematical Physics
Physics (specialisation of Physics major)
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

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