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.
FSI3070 Statistical Mechanics 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
Information for Autumn 2025 Start 25 Aug 2025 programme students
- Course location
AlbaNova
- Duration
- 25 Aug 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
- Periods
Autumn 2025: P1 (7.5 hp)
- Pace of study
50%
- Application code
10409
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FSI3070 (Spring 2019–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus FSI3070 (Spring 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course, the PhD 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.
- perform real space renormalization for simple models.
- have knowledge about and be able to use the fundamental concepts in the theory of classical fluids.
- have knowledge about the structure of the solutions to a small number of analytically solvable models.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Statistical physics.
Literature
M. Plischke & B. Bergersen: Equilibrium Statistical Physics, 3rd edition, World Scientific, 2006.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- TEN1 - Exam, 7.5 credits, grading scale: P, 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.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Other requirements for final grade
One written exam, home exercises to hand in.
Examiner
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
Education cycle
Third cycle