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Research School of Physics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This core third year physics course develops statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics. It is based on textbooks Introduction to Statistical Physics by Kerson Huang and Statistical Physics by David Tong and will cover thermodynamics and the various ensembles in statistical physics. We then move onto phase transitions, noise, the Langevin equation, and quantum systems such as Bose and Fermi gases. To conclude we examine order parameters, superconductivity and superfluidity. It is a course of essential importance for all students wishing to understand condensed matter and many-body systems. This course is one of the 3rd year options for the physics major and is recommended for those intending to do honours in Physics.
Wattle Quizzes - average 2 per week
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4
Short Wattle Quizzes (1 question each)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4
Tutorial Homework Questions (1 question per week)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4
One Traditional problems assignment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4
Computational Projects x 2
Learning outcomes 3
1 x essay or video
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Mid-semester exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Final Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - A face-to-face component consisting of 1 x two-hour workshop per week and 1 x two-hour drop-in workshop run by tutors per week, and - Approximately 95 hours dedicated to self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, quizzes, and other assignments tasks.
Introduction to Statistical Physics by Kerson Huang, 2nd edition, CRC press, ISBN 978-1-4200-7902-9 Statistical Physics by David Tong, University of Cambridge Part II Mathematical Tripos 2012, https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/statphys.html