Outline:

This module aims to establish a secure structural foundation to an understanding of statistical thermodynamics, which is essential to the study of processes at the microscopic level and of condensed matter physics. The module: reviews concepts in classical thermodynamics, and presents the basic ideas and methods appropriate for the description of systems containing very many identical particles; compares and contrasts the statistical mechanics of ideal gases comprised of bosons, fermions, and classical particles; develops the statistical mechanics of systems of harmonic oscillators; applies the statistical framework to form an appreciation of the thermal and electrical properties of solids.

Aims:

The main aim of this course is to provide a statistical mechanical foundation to the classical laws of thermodynamics, with an emphasis on their application to understand the thermodynamic properties of matter. The specific objectives are as set out in the course outline. Most of the objectives involve establishing the properties of gases of various types, and then using this to study electromagnetic radiation, electrons in metals, superconductors, white dwarfs, neutron stars, as well as the more prosaic gases and condensable vapours.

To review concepts in classical thermodynamics, and to present the basic ideas and methods appropriate for the description of systems containing very many identical particles
	To compare and contrast the statistical mechanics of ideal gases comprised of bosons, fermions, and classical particles
	To develop the statistical mechanics of systems of harmonic oscillators
	To apply the statistical framework to form an appreciation of the thermal and electrical properties of solids
Teaching and Learning Methodology:

This course is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of problem solving tutorials and additional discussion.

In addition to timetabled lecture and PST hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online. There is more to the subject than can possibly be copied off a whiteboard in ~30 lectures. To study the subject seriously you will need to consult the recommended books and additional recommended websites. The Moodle page for this course will provide a set of notes covering lectures plus additional material. You will also be able to access problem sheets and past papers.