General Information

Quantum statistical basis for equilibrium thermodynamics, microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles, and partition functions. Classical and quantum ideal gases, paramagnetic and multiple-state systems. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics and applications. Introduction to systems of interacting particles. Required for the physics inside concentration.

Prerequisites

Junior level quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and mathematics at the level of AEP 3610, AEP 3550, AEP 3200 and AEP 4200.

Topics Covered

  • Review of Thermodynamics
    • Thermodynamic Variables
    • Laws
    • Ensembles
    • Legendre Transformations
    • Maxwell Relations
  • Probability
    • Discrete and Continuous Variables
    • Random Walk Problem
  • Classical Statistical Mechanics
    • Liouville’s Theorem
    • The Microcanonical Ensemble
    • The Canonical Ensemble
      • Master Functions
      • Partition Functions
    • The Grand Canonical Ensemble
  • Quantum Statistical Mechanics
    • Correspondence Principle
    • Ensembles and Partition Functions
    • Bose-Einstein Statistics
    • Fermi-Dirac Statistics
    • Maxwell-Boltzmann Statistics
    • The Classical Limit
  • Applications
    • Crystals-Specific Heat
      • Classical Model
      • Einstein Model
      • Debye Solution
    • Black Body Equilibrium
    • Chemical Equilibrium
    • Phase Changes
      • Superconductivity
      • Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
      • Magnetism
        • Ferromagnetism
        • Paramagnetism
        • The Ising Model

Workload

Weekly problem sets, two prelims, and a final exam. [Fall 2022]

Professor Fennie does not require homework to be turned in so, at least when I took it, the workload was very much dependent on how much time you wanted to put into the class. So, if you’re confident with the material, the workload ends up being very light, but there are a lot of optional homeworks assigned so doing all of those would make the workload of the class more on par with other physics classes. [Fall 2023]

General Advice

Testimonials

Past Offerings

Semester Professor Median Grade Syllabus
Fall 2022 Bruce Kusse   PHYS4230_FA22.pdf
Fall 2023 Craig Fennie   PHYS4230_FA23.pdf