PHS3102 Statistical and condensed matter physics
Faculty of Science
PHS3102 Statistical and condensed matter physics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2024 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
This unit explores topics of foundational many-body physics. The unit consists of two theory-only sub-units, and the key areas for each sub-unit are:
- Statistical physics: Classical statistical ensembles and distributions Boltzmann factors, probability and the partition function. Connecting the partition function with thermodynamics via free energies. The Maxwellian distributions of speeds. The chemical potential. The Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein probability distributions. Fermi gases at low and high temperature. Photon and phonon gases: black-body radiation and the Debye model. Bose-Einstein condensation. Applications to real systems such as melting of DNA and the exponential atmosphere.
- Condensed matter physics: real and reciprocal space lattices, classical and quantum models of atomic vibration in crystals, the basic theory for the behaviour of electrons and phonons in solid crystalline materials, Bloch's theorem and band theory, phonons, electronic properties of semiconductors, superconductivity, superfluidity, low dimensional materials, quasi-periodic and amorphous solids.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Statistical physics assignments.20%
- Condensed matter physics assignments.20%
- Workshop quizzes (up to 24)10%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe and perform calculations associated with fundamental concepts in Statistical Mechanics, which include both classical and quantum many-body systems.
- 2
Describe concepts and perform calculations in Condensed Matter Physics, which involve crystal structures in 1D, 2D and 3D, quasicrystals, phonons, metals, semiconductors nanomaterials, superfluidity and superconductivity.
- 3
Apply numerical modelling to solve problems in condensed matter and thermal physics;
- 4
Demonstrate awareness of scientific computing methods and visualization.
- 5
Demonstrate an ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts.
- 6
Approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops60 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (approximately 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
This unit comprises of two theory sub-units: Statistical physics and Condensed matter physics.
Both sub-units will be delivered in 30 hours of workshops.
You will be expected to engage with pre-workshop content available on Moodle before each workshop.
Pre-workshop content will be a mix of short videos, readings from the prescribed and recommended texts, and other resources.
The workshops themselves are a blend of lecturer-led discussion, group discussion and problem solving sessions.
Areas of difficulty are highlighted in class discussions, and resolved via interaction with peers and instructors.
In-session activities include applying skills and knowledge to computer-based modelling of problems, and working through worksheet problems using appropriate mathematical methods.
Solutions to worksheets will be posted after each workshop.
Assignments in the form of regular problem sets will be distributed for each sub-unit, highlighting consequences of the theory and giving you practice in applying it.
The standard of these assignments is largely typical of that required in the examinations.
Solutions to problems and assignments will be posted to Moodle at appropriate times during semester, enabling you to check your progress continuously.
Learning resources
Required resources
Daniel V Schroeder, An introduction to Thermal Physics , Addison-Welsey (2001). ISBN-13: 978-0201380279 ISBN-10: 9780201380279.
This is a prescribed text for the unit and you are expected to have access to a copy. Selected readings from the text will be available on Moodle, however these are not sufficient to cover all the syllabus, and do not include the numerous valuable exercises in the text.
Recommended resources
Kittel & Kroemer, Thermal Physics (2nd revised ed.), W.H. Freeman (1980). (This book largely overlaps with Schroeder's Introduction to Thermal Physics, although having access to both is useful.)
Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics (8th ed.), Wiley (2004).
Marder, Condensed Matter Physics (2nd ed.), Wiley (2004).
Where it fits
PHS3102 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Lincoln Turner
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Alexis Bishop
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS3102?
PHS3102 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is PHS3102 offered?
In 2024, PHS3102 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHS3102 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHS3102?
PHS3102 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.