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PHY2201 Statistical Physics2007-2008Code: PHY2201Title: Statistical Physics Instructors: Dr M.E. Portnoi CATS credits: 10 ECTS credits: 5 Availability: unrestricted Level: 2 Pre-requisites: N/A Co-requisites: N/A Background Assumed: Thermal Physics (PHY1002) Duration: Semester I Directed Study Time: 22 lectures Private Study Time: 66 hours Assessment Tasks Time: 12 hours Observation report: 2003/04 JRS AimsThe development of statistical mechanics stands as one of the crowning achievements of 19th century science. It was the great contribution of Maxwell, Boltzmann and Gibbs to show that the application of statistical methods could yield accurate predictions for bulk thermal properties of a system from an atomistic description of matter. The theory provides the only tractable means of analysing the almost unimaginable complexity of an N-body system containing 1023 particles. The classical Second Law of Thermodynamics finds a natural explanation in terms of the evolution of a system from the less probable to the more probable configurations. The module, which builds directly on the Stage 1 core module Thermal Physics (PHY1002), extends the discussion of classical thermodynamics and shows how its laws arise naturally from the statistical properties of an ensemble. Real-world examples of the key ideas are presented and their application in later modules such as Solid State Physics I (PHY3102), Energy and the Environment (PHY3112) and Astrophysics (PHY3132) is stressed. The concepts developed in the module are further extended in the more advanced Statistical Mechanics (PHYM421) module Intended Learning OutcomesStudents should be able to: Module Specific Skills
Discipline Specific Skills
Personal and Key Skills
Learning and Teaching MethodsLectures, tutorials, problems classes and provision of comprehensive coverage of the lecture material as e-learning resources. AssignmentsAssignments are set every two weeks by the instructors in a supporting weekly problems class, and also by tutors. AssessmentOne 30-minute test (20%), problems classes (10%) and one 90-minute examination (70%). Syllabus Plan and Content
Core Text(1971), Statistical Physics, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-56658-6 (UL: 530.132 MAN)Supplementary Text(s)(1996), Introductory Statistical Mechanics, Oxford Science Publications, ISBN 0-19-851794-7 (UL: 530.13 BOW)Formative MechanismsThe problems that students are set on this module are marked and discussed in detail in the problems classes and in tutorials. Evaluation MechanismsThe module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment. |