Statistical Mechanics (PHYC90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides an advanced introduction to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. The subject focuses on collective phenomena in complex many-body systems with an emphasis on diffusive processes, stability and the emergence of long-range order, with examples drawn from physics, chemistry, biology and economics. Specific topics include diffusive stochastic processes (Fokker-Planck equations), birth-death processes (master equations), kinetic transport, and spatio-temporal pattern formation in unstable nonlinear systems (bifurcations, chaos, reaction-diffusion equations).
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are:
- to challenge the students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physical principles;
- to broaden their appreciation of how statistical mechanics integrates into the discipline of physics overall;
- to develop their capacity to explain the emergence of long-range order in complex, many-bodysystems;
- to appreciate the distinction between equilibrium and far-from-equilibrium dynamics in these systems;
- to solve quantitative problems using the canonical mathematical techniques of statistical mechanics;
- to provide the foundation for more advanced studies in statistical mechanics.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in:
- analysing how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
- applying abstract concepts to real-world situations;
- solving relatively complicated problems using approximations;
- participating as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
- managing time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A third year subject in statistical physics equivalent to
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC30017 | Statistical Physics | 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.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four assignments totalling up to 48 pages of written work, spaced equally
| During the teaching period | 40% |
One written examination
| End of semester | 60% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jeffrey McCallum Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours TBA Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Email: msc@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
- K. Huang, 1987, Statistical Mechanics , Wiley. Covers thermodynamics, equilibrium classical and quantum statistical mechanics and phase transitions. Apart from some kinetic theory, it does not discuss non equilibrium systems (however, if you are starting from a base of understanding this text book you are in a good position to start this course).
- N.G. van Kampen, 1992 Stochastic processes in Physics and Chemistry , North Holland. Thorough discussion of fluctuations (Brownian motion) and birth and death processes (master equations).
- R. Kubo, N. Today and N. Hashitsume, 1991 Statistical Physics II: Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, Springer. Covers similar ground to van Kampen as well as theory of non equilibrium thermodynamics: which are not covered in this subject.
- G. Nicolis and I. Prigogine, 1977, Self-organisation in non equilibrium systems, Wiley. A classic by the inventors of the theory of pattern formation.
- H.S.Wio, 1994, An introduction to Stochastic Processes and Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics , World Scientific. This book is followed closely in parts, especially on stability and pattern formation.
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Physics) Informal specialisation Physics Major Physics - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 3 November 2022