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Module Title |
Statistical Physics
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Module Code |
PS302
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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| Module Co-ordinator | Dr Jean-Paul Mosnier | Office Number | N142 |
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Level |
3
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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1. To understand how the properties of large numbers of particles are analysed
2. To appreciate how the intrinsic nature of microscopic particles influences effects observed on macroscopic scale
3. To develop a knowledge of the application of statistical techniques in examples involving solids, liquids, gases and light.
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Learning Outcomes
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1. A knowledge of the fundamental definitions of temperature and entropy.
2. Knowledge of the origins of the Fermi Dirac, Bose-Einstein and Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution laws.
3. Understanding of key thermodynamics results - the specific heats of solids, black body radiation, Bose-Einstein condensation, Stellar evolution.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
24
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Tutorials |
12
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Laboratories |
0
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
39
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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STATES OF A SYSTEM:
Microstates of individual particles, configurations of systems of particles
distinguishable and indistinguishable particles, most probable configuration, fluctuations.
TEMPERATURE AND ENTROPY:
Fundamental definitions in terms of accessible states, thermal equilibrium.
METHODS OF STATISTICAL PHYSICS:
Distribution laws for fermions and bosons, Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions law,
Partition function and applications.
APPLICATIONS:
Electrons in metals and in stars, specific heats of solids, black body radiation, cosmic background radiation,
properties of liquid helium.
INTRODUCTION TO PHASE TRANSITIONS:
Examples and classification of phase transitions.
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 25% | Examination Weight | 75% |
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Indicative Reading List
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1. Statistical Physics F. Mandl (2nd edition, 2000 reprint,Wiley).
2. An Introduction to Statistical Physics W. Rosser (Wiley).
3. Statistical Mechanics T. Guenault.
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| PBM | BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences |
| PF | BSc in Physics with French |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
