Statistical Thermophysics Course Syllabus, Winter 2021

Course Content

This course is part one of a two term course on Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. The first term (PH 641, this course) provides a thorough introduction into thermodynamics and classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Examples will be taken from a broad range of topics and disciplines: physics, chemistry, biology, cosmology, and more.

The second part (Spring 2021) will cover both foundations and advanced topics: examples of possible topics are critical phenomena, correlations and fluctuations, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, and renormalization group theory.

Course Information

Course Title PH 641 Statistical Thermophysics

Website http://physics.oregonstate.edu/~grahamat/COURSES/ph641

Credits 3

Instructor Matt W. Graham

Office Weniger 375

Office hours see main webpage

Schedule and Location

Location Zoom and asynchronous

Hours MWF 11am-11:50am

Prerequisites

An undergraduate thermodynamics and statistical mechanics courses like PH 441 Thermal and Statistical Methods or instructors consent. The course will cover all material needed, but the pace will be brisk and keeping up with the material may be challenging with a weak background.

Required Texts

1) James P. Sethna, Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters, and Complexity, Oxford University Press. http://pages.physics.cornell.edu/~sethna/StatMech/ (.pdf of textbook)
(Sethna is used for the 2nd half of 641 and all of 642)

2) Henri Jansen's course textbook:

You may also need a basic reference for thermodynamics. Prof. Sethna's book assumes a high-level undergraduate background with emphasis on modern applications. PH 641 does not make any such assumptions. As such it is recommened you have at least conventional graduate or undergraduate textbook for PH 641. A few recommendations include:

Undergraduate Level:

  • Daniel V. Schroeder, Thermal Physics.
  • Charles Kittel and Herbert Kroemer, Thermal Physics.

Graduate Level:

  • F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics.
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    Problem Sets

    Problem sets will be given approximately every week (usually Fridays) and is due one week later. Problem sets have equal weight (scaled to 100 points) and the lowest score for one homework set will be discarded. Full solutions to all problems will be provided, which are for students personal use only. Do not post solutions on the web or otherwise pass them on to others.

    Quizzes

    Short in class quizzes (approx. 5-10 min) will be given approximately every week.

    Evaluation of Performance

    • Problem sets 30%
    • Quizzes 10% (roughly weekly, for your benefit)
    • Midterm exam 20%
    • Final exam 40%

    The final exam is comprehensive and covers material from the entire course.

    Honesty

    For this course it is allowed and encouraged to work together on homework. Working together does not mean copying. Homework solutions from previous years are strictly off-limits. You are on your honor not to use them, and never to share your homework solutions with other students, now or in the future. Likewise, the solutions are for your personal use only. You may keep one copy in your personal files. Each student must write and submit his/her own homework solutions. We will follow the university guidelines, see OSU Student Conduct & Community Standards.

    Statement regarding students with disabilities

    Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.