Fall 2020 - PHYS 881 G100

Special Topics I (3)

Non-eq Stat Mech & Stoch Phys

Class Number: 4141

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Probability and information theory
Stochastic processes: stationary, Markov, and one-step processes
Stochastic models: Master equation, Fokker-Planck equation, Langevin equation, stochastic differential equations
Applications: random walks, chemical reactions, first-passage, and Kramers problems
Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and stochastic thermodynamics

Mode of teaching:
Lecture: synchronous but intend to record
Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA (Final Exam period is Dec 9-20)

Grading

  • Homework 60%
  • Research proposal 25%
  • Final exam 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbooks (recommended):

N. van Kampen, Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry, 3rd ed. (2007).  
C. Gardiner, Stochastic Methods: A Handbook for the Natural and Social Sciences, 4th ed. (2009).    
R. Zwanzig, Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics (2001).

*Students can purchase books from online retailers if e-books unavailable from SFU Bookstore

*Computer and Internet Access Required

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).