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SK2752 Statistical Physics 7.5 credits

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Information per course offering

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Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus SK2752 (Autumn 2017–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SK2752 (Autumn 2017–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

  • The microscopic foundations of thermodynamics
  • Ensembles
  • Identical particles and distributions
  • Quantum liquids
  • Phase transitions
  • Applications in economics (on request)

Intended learning outcomes

State the principal assumptions behind the statistical mechanical description.

  • Derive Bolzman’s law from the above assumptions.
  • Use knowledge from probability theory and quantum mechanics to calculate the relevant partition function for a given system model.
  • Motivate the second law of thermodynamics starting from Bolzman’s law.
  • Calculate thermodynamic functions from the partition function for a given system.
  • Chose the appropriate (calculable) ensemble for a given system.
  • Chose and minimize the adequate thermodynamic function in order to find the equilibrium state of a system.
  • Starting from a real life situation and using knowledge in quantum mechanics, mechanics, solid state physics etc. create a system model whose partition function can be calculated.
  • Critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of a system model.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

  • Basic physics (equivalent IF1603, SK1108)
  • Mathematical analysis in several variables (equivalent SF1626)
  • Statistics (equivalent SF1901)

Literature

Introductory statistical mechanics, R. Bowley and M. SánchezUpplaga: 2a Förlag: Oxford science publications År: 1999ISBN: 0198505760

Examination and completion

Grading scale

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

Examination

  • INL1 - Exercise, 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.

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

The course contains 12 lectures and 6 exercise occasions.

In case of less than 10 participants the course will be given as a self study course with take home problems and weekly meetings for questions and discussions

Other requirements for final grade

Passed grade on INL1

Examiner

No information inserted

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/Applied Physics

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle