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SI2510 Statistical Mechanics 7.5 credits

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Choose semester and course offering

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Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50205

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2510 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Formal background of statistical mechanics. Classical simple fluids. Integral equation for correlation functions. Phase transitions. Mean field theory. The Ising model. Analytical solutions. Renormalization theory. Percolation and disorder.

Intended learning outcomes

The aim is to give additional knowledge in thermodynamics and statistical physics to what is given in the compulsory courses for F3. The main contents of the course is theory for phase transitions. After finished course the student should be able to:

  • Describe, use and develop mean field theory for first and second order phase transitions.
  • Realize the limitations of mean field theory.
  • Realize the importance and strength of scaling arguments and be able to use such arguments.
  • Be able to perform real space renormalization for simple models.
  • Have knowledge about and be able to use the fundamental concepts in the theory of classical fluids.
  • Ha knowledge about the structure of the solutions to a small number of analytically solvable models.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics corresponding to SI1162 and modern physics corresponding to SH1014.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • TENA - Examination, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Requirements for final grade: One written exam (TENA; 7,5 university credits)

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

Examiner

Profile picture Egor Babaev

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

SCI/Undergraduate Physics

Main field of study

Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Egor Babaev (babaev@kth.se)