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Statistical Physics (PHYC30017)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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.
Intended learning outcomes
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.
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.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Physics
Both of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC20010 | Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity | Year Long (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC20009 | Thermal and Classical Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Or
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC20012 | Quantum and Thermal Physics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
And Mathematics
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
And at least one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20026 | Real Analysis |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Two assignments each equivalent to 1500 words during the semester (10% each) and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Andy Martin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours total time commitment.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
D J Amit and Y Verbin, Statistical Physics: An Introductory Course, World Scientific
Recommended texts and other resources
K Huang, Introduction to Statistical Physics, Taylor and Francis
- Subject 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 Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Mathematical Physics Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics specialisation Major Physics Informal specialisation Chemical Physics specialisation - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 March 2024