Module MA3443: Statistical Physics I
- Credit weighting (ECTS)
- 5 credits
- Semester/term taught
- Michaelmas term 2014-15
- Lecturer
- Prof Dmytro Volin. See http://www.maths.tcd.ie/~dvolin/statphys.html for additional information on this module.
- Contact Hours
- 11 weeks, 3 lectures including tutorials per week
- Learning Outcomes
-
- Explain the ideas of equilibrium thermodynamics and apply them to various systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how macroscopic equilibrium properties arise from the underlying microscopic physics.
- Show familiarity with the notion of ensembles and use the formalism of statistical physics.
- Include interactions systematically through appropriate expansions.
- Explain the concept of a first order phase transition.
- Module Content
-
- Review of thermodynamics;
- Classical statistical mechanics;
- Microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles;
- Entropy;
- Ideal gas;
- Inclusion of interactions;
- Van-der-Waals Gas;
- The cluster expansion and virial coefficients;
- Introduction to first order phase transitions;
On successful completion of this module students will be able to
- Suggested Literature
- 1. Kerson Huang, 'Introduction to Statistical Physics'
- 2. L.D. Landau, E.M. Lifshitz, 'Statistical Physics'
- 3. James P. Sethna, 'Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity'
- 4. Lectures of Leonard Susskind on youtube
- 5. Wikipedia
- Module Prerequisite
- MA2342 - Advanced Classical Mechanics II
- Assessment Detail
- This module will be examined in a 2-hour examination in Trinity term. Two homework assignments will be given. One is devoted to solving exercises, another one is to perform a mini-research and to demonstrate in this way your comprehension of the subject. The assignments contribute 25% to the final annual mark. Supplemental exam if required will consist of 100% exam.