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
Concise description of the course objectives formulated in 3 to 5 terms of knowledge, insight and skills students will have acquired at the end of the course. The relationship between these objectives and achievement levels for the programme should be evident.
After completing this course the student can apply the basic concepts of statistical physics and thermodynamics to known and unknown problems. The student is capable of using probability theory and thermodynamic potentials to solve problems and derive important quantities in thermal physics. The student is familiar with the statistical physic description underlying important distributions and models, such as the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, the ideal gas, and the Ising model.
The student will be familiar with following topics after completing the course:
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
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
Lectures and exercise classes.
For more information see Brightspace
Assessment method
Written exam with open questions. A retake exam consisting of a written exam with open questions will be offered. Part of the exam and retake tests the students' understanding of the theory, the other part tests the skills for independently solving problems.
The grade will be determined from a combination of the exam and the homework exercises
Reading list
R.H. Swendsen, 'An Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics', Oxford University Press.
Stephen J. Blundell and Katherine M. Blundell, ‘Concepts in Thermal Physics’, Oxford University Press
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Lecturer:Prof.dr. D.J. Kraft
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.