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Statistical Physics (PHYC30017)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
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 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| 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: 1 December 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students are required to meet both Physics and Mathematics prerequisites below
Physics:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20012 | Quantum and Thermal Physics | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Mathematics:
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST20032 | Vector Calculus: Advanced | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20026 | Real Analysis |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHYC20014 | Theoretical Physics 2 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST20033 | Real Analysis: Advanced | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - 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: 1 December 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
One written assignment, requiring approximately 20 hours of preparation, study and writing
| Week 5 | 15% |
One written assignment
| Week 11 | 15% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 70% |
Additional details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
Last updated: 1 December 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator David Jamieson Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours total time commitment.
Additional delivery details
This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.
Last updated: 1 December 2023
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 Informal specialisation Physics specialisation Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Physics Informal specialisation Chemical Physics specialisation Major Physics Major Mathematical Physics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 1 December 2023