PHS3102 · Statistical and condensed matter physics

Overview

This unit explores topics of foundational many-body physics. The unit consists of two theory-only sub-units, and the key areas for each sub-unit are: • Statistical physics: Classical statistical ensembles and distributions Boltzmann factors, probability and the partition function. Connecting the partition function with thermodynamics via free energies. The Maxwellian distributions of speeds. The chemical potential. The Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein probability distributions. Fermi gases at low and high temperature. Photon and phonon gases: black-body radiation and the Debye model. Bose-Einstein condensation. Applications to real systems such as melting of DNA and the exponential atmosphere. • Condensed matter physics: real and reciprocal space lattices, classical and quantum models of atomic vibration in crystals, the basic theory for the behaviour of electrons and phonons in solid crystalline materials, Bloch's theorem and band theory, phonons, electronic properties of semiconductors, superconductivity, superfluidity, low dimensional materials, quasi-periodic and amorphous solids.

Areas of study: Astrophysics Physics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe and perform calculations associated with fundamental concepts in Statistical Mechanics, which include both classical and quantum many-body systems.
2. Describe concepts and perform calculations in Condensed Matter Physics, which involve crystal structures in 1D, 2D and 3D, quasicrystals, phonons, metals, semiconductors nanomaterials, superfluidity and superconductivity.
3. Apply numerical modelling to solve problems in condensed matter and thermal physics.
4. Demonstrate awareness of scientific computing methods and visualization.
5. Demonstrate an ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts.
6. Approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.

Workload

The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (approximately 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.