FYSS7641 Statistical Physics in and out of Equilibrium (6–9 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Description

  • thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

  • phase transitions and critical phenomena, correlations and scaling

  • linear-response theory: fluctuation-dissipation theorem and related results

  • transport near equilibrium, Langevin equation, hydrodynamic limit

  • phenomena far from thermodynamic equilibrium

  • interface phenomena, disordered materials 

Learning outcomes

After completing the study unit the student

  • has a firm grip on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

  • is able to move between microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic descriptions

  • can utilize symmetries in the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena

  • can apply the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and related results

  • knows classical transport theory at different levels of desciption

  • can apply various approaches to phenomena far from equilibrium

  • has in a project work applied things learned into personally interesting research problem 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSA2031 Quantum Mechanics, part A

  • FYSA2041 ja FYSA2042 Statistical Physics, parts A and B

  • Mathematical skills corresponding to courses compulsory in BSc in physics 

Study materials

Lecture material

Literature

  • Linda Reichl: Modern Course in Statistical Physics
  • Michel Le Bellac, Fabrice Mortessagne & George Batrouni: Equilibrium and Non-equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics
  • Paul Chaikin & Tom Lubensky: Principles of Condensed Matter Physics

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Once in every three years.
Evaluation criteria:
At least half of maximum points required for passing (assignments 50% and exam 50%). The course can be extended to 9 credits by completing a project work.
Time of teaching:
Period 5
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Parts of the completion methods
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Participation in teaching (6–9 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
At least half of maximum points required for passing (exercises 50%, exam 50%). The course can be extended to 9 credits by completing a project work.
Language:
English
Study methods:

Exercises, weekly meetings, exam, possible project work. 

No published teaching