Module 28-SP Statistical physics

Faculty

Person responsible for module

Regular cycle (beginning)

Every winter semester

Credit points and duration

10 Credit points

For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.

Competencies

Non-official translation of the module descriptions. Only the German version is legally binding.

In this module, students learn and understand the basic concepts and methods of modern theoretical physics. They are able to apply these to problems in modern physics, solve problems independently and present their solutions in an understandable way. Students are able to understand and justify thermodynamic relationships and to model elementary systems.

Content of teaching

In particular, the thermodynamic properties of matter and how they result from statistical observation are dealt with. The connection between experimental observation and modelling in the form of ensembles plays a central role. Fundamental quantum mechanical approaches and classical approximations are discussed.

  • Subject of thermodynamics
  • Main theorems, Carnot process, absolute temperature and entropy
  • Thermodynamic potentials
  • Equations of state of ideal and real gases
  • Subject of statistical physics
  • Principle of maximum entropy, entropy and ensemble
  • Statistical operator/density matrix, probability interpretation
  • Two-level systems, harmonic oscillator, ideal gas
  • Classical statistical physics, equidistribution theorem, examples
  • Many-body systems: Fermions and bosons
  • Grand canonical ensemble of ideal quantum gases, ideal fermi gas, ideal bose gas
  • Photon gas
  • Topics of your choice: e.g. Debye theory, phase transitions, transport theory

Recommended previous knowledge

28-Q

Necessary requirements

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Explanation regarding the elements of the module

Module structure: 1 SL, 1 bPr 1

Courses

Statistical physics
Type lecture
Regular cycle WiSe
Workload5 120 h (60 + 60)
LP 4 [Pr]
Tutorial on Statistical physics
Type exercise
Regular cycle WiSe
Workload5 90 h (30 + 60)
LP 3 [SL]

Study requirements

Allocated examiner Workload LP2
Teaching staff of the course Tutorial on Statistical physics (exercise)

Regular completion of the exercises (usually 50%), in each case with a recognisable and goal-oriented solution approach, as well as participation in the exercise groups (in particular: Presentation of own solutions or solution approaches, asking technical questions and critical discussion of the physical problems, working on attendance exercises).
The exercises to be worked on will be issued one week in advance. The lecturer determines the exact criteria at the beginning of the course and announces them.

 see above see above

Examinations

written examination
Allocated examiner Teaching staff of the course Statistical physics (lecture)
Weighting 1
Workload 90h
LP2 3

Written exam usually 2-3 hours

The module is used in these degree programmes:

Degree programme Profile Recom­mended start 3 Duration Manda­tory option 4
Mathematical and Theoretical Physics / Master of Science [FsB vom 26.04.2024 mit Änderungen vom 29.05.2024 und 10.12.2024 und der Berichtigung vom 01.04.2025] Admission Track Profile A 1. o. 2. one semester Compul­sory optional subject

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Legend

1
The module structure displays the required number of study requirements and examinations.
2
LP is the short form for credit points.
3
The figures in this column are the specialist semesters in which it is recommended to start the module. Depending on the individual study schedule, entirely different courses of study are possible and advisable.
4
Explanations on mandatory option: "Obligation" means: This module is mandatory for the course of the studies; "Optional obligation" means: This module belongs to a number of modules available for selection under certain circumstances. This is more precisely regulated by the "Subject-related regulations" (see navigation).
5
Workload (contact time + self-study)
SoSe
Summer semester
WiSe
Winter semester
SL
Study requirement
Pr
Examination
bPr
Number of examinations with grades
uPr
Number of examinations without grades
This academic achievement can be reported and recognised.

Sidebar

Elements of the module

Courses

Study requirements

Examinations

Programme of lectures (eKVV)

Programme of lectures (eKVV)

Show lists of modules

Mathematical and Theoretical Physics / Master of Science // Admission Track Profile A