PHYS-E0415: Statistical Mechanics
| Course name | Statistical Mechanics |
|---|---|
| Course code | PHYS-E0415 |
| Abbreviation | Statmech |
| Period | I-II |
| Lecturer | Mikko Alava |
Description
The course continues PHYS-C0220 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics. The emphasis is on applying statistical mechanics to solve a wide variety of problems, ranging from phase transitions in condensed matter to applications outside traditional physics.
Course material
Official material
The official textbook is Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity by James P. Sethna. Weekly lecture slides are uploaded to MyCourses, but the textbook is the primary learning resource.
Extra material
Lecture notes from other universities can be useful for individual topics.
Contents and workload
Overall workload
Although the amount of material is large, much of it is supplementary. The workload depends on the computational project and on whether you choose to take the optional exam.
Weekly contents
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basics |
| 2 | Random walks, diffusion equation |
| 3 | Correlations, fluctuation–dissipation theorem |
| 4 | Ising model, order parameters, Ginzburg–Landau theory |
| 5 | Percolation |
| 6 | Phase transitions, stability, metastability |
| 7 | Entropy |
| 8 | Quantum Ising model, quantum phase transitions, quantum annealing |
| 9 | Relative entropy, Jarzynski equality |
Practicalities
Maximum score: 120 points.
- Pre-test exercise sheet (6 p)
- Weekly reading assignments (20 p)
- Weekly exercise sheets (50 p)
- Research paper presentation (10 p)
- Computational project (16 p)
- Optional exam (18 p)
The presentation and computational project are completed in groups. Weekly exercise sessions provide support.
Related courses
Official prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites: PHYS-C0220 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics and PHYS-C0210 Quantum Mechanics.
Additional prerequisites
PHYS-E0412 Computational Physics or similar computational experience is beneficial.
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Trivia
The grading is known to be quite lenient, and it is possible to receive a high final grade without taking the optional exam.