Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - PHYS 841 G100

Statistical Mechanics (3)

Class Number: 1149

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 445 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Review of ensembles and thermodynamics, ideal gases, imperfect classical gases, classical and modern theories of phase transitions, renormalization group. Course offered regularly.

COURSE DETAILS:

 

Topics to be covered:

•                 Statistical ensembles and thermodynamics

•                 Quantum statistics

•                 Superfluidity

•                 Phase transitions, Mean Field and Landau Theory

•                 Critical phenomena, renormalization group theory

•                 Spontaneous symmetry breaking and topological defects

 

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final exam 50%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Recommended Texts:
Plischke, Bergerson, Equilibrium statistical physics
I. Herbut, A modern approach to critical phenomena
Kerson Huang, Statistical Mechanics, 2nd edition



   

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS