Admission requirements
Classical Mechanics a, Electromagnetic Fields, Analysis 1&2, Linear Algebra 1
Description
Statistical Physics builds a bridge between the microscopic world of, for instance, atoms and molecules and the resulting collective behavior at the macroscopic level, that is described by thermodynamics. The concept of temperature and the fact that a very large number of particles is involved play crucial roles in making this work. Using probability theory and the principle of maximum entropy the statistical physics of systems in equilibrium is developed and applied to gases and other examples, such as magnetic systems.
Course objectives
After finishing the course you are able to perform calculations and derivations concerning the following topics in statistical physics:
Probability theory, phase space
Thermal equilibrium, entropy, microcanonical ensemble
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, ideal gas law
Thermodynamic potentials, heat engine
Free energy, canonical ensemble
Gibbs free energy, grand canonical ensemble
Ensemble equivalence
Classical and quantum harmonic oscillator
Ising model of magnetism, mean field approximation
Phase transitions, critical exponents
Timetable
Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different
Mode of instruction
Lectures and self-study of written material, mandatory tutorial sessions, weekly homework sets. The course is taught in English.
See Brightspace
Assessment method
6 EC = 168h
Written exam with open questions. Extra points can be earned from homework problems.
Reading list
R.H. Swendsen, 'An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics', Oxford University Press.
Registration
From the academic year 2022-2023 on every student has to register for courses with the new enrollment tool MyStudyMap. There are two registration periods per year: registration for the fall semester opens in July and registration for the spring semester opens in December. Please see this page for more information.
Please note that it is compulsory to both preregister and confirm your participation for every exam and retake. Not being registered for a course means that you are not allowed to participate in the final exam of the course. Confirming your exam participation is possible until ten days before the exam.
Extensive FAQ's on MyStudymap can be found here.
Contact
Lecturer:Dr.S. Semrau
Remarks
none