Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHYS 841 G100

Statistical Mechanics (3)

Class Number: 6159

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: 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

  • Homework 50%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:
Kerson Huang, Statistical Mechanics (2nd ed.)

Recommended texts:
Michael Plischke & Birger Bergersen, Equilibrium Statistical Physics (3rd ed.)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.