Course Title: Thermal & Statistical Physics
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Thermal & Statistical Physics
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: TBD
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925
Course Coordinator Email: @rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: TBD
Course Coordinator Availability: Please email to make an appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
It is assumed that you have acquired the knowledge and capabilities developed in PHYS2128 Electromagnetics and Quantum Physics, PHYS2127 Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, PHYS1077 Mechanics & Modern Physics and MATH1129 Mathematics for Physicists.
Course Description
Thermal and Statistical Physics deals with 1. equilibrium thermodynamics and its applications and 2. the link between the atomic structure of matter and its macroscopic thermal behaviour and properties. It has wide applicability to almost all areas of science and technology particularly those that deal with the properties of materials.
This is a final year undergraduate course and assumes a successful completion of the first two years of a physics degree. It covers the physical understanding of matter from an atomic view point as well as introducing the fundamentals upon which modern computer modelling of matter is based.
The course has a theoretical lecture component and also involves worked exercises to illustrate the material which the student should work through in order to fully understand this theoretical material.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP229 and BP247:
PLO 1: Understanding science:
PLO 1.1: You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice.
PLO 1.2: You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and relevance of science in society.
PLO 1.3: You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of evidence in the continuous evolution of scientific knowledge.
PLO-2: Scientific knowledge
PLO 2.1: You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO-3: Inquiry and Problem Solving
PLO 3.2: You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
PLO 3.3: You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
PLO 3.4: You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO-4: Communication
PLO 4.1: You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
PLO-5: Personal and professional responsibility
PLO 5.1: You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2: You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3: You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.
After completing this course you will:
- Have intermediate level knowledge in the area of thermal and statistical physics
- Be able to analyse and solve problems in the areas of thermal and statistical physics
- Be able to carry out and communicate the results of experiments
- Be familiar with the molecular basis of the thermodynamic laws and properties;
- Be able to understand the basic atomic models of gases, liquids, solids and phase transitions;
- Be able to apply statistical mechanical techniques to a variety of applied problems such as equation of state and heat capacity modelling.
Overview of Learning Activities
Learning will occur through a series of lectures, plus a set of non-assessable assignments designed to give experience in applications and to illustrate basic concepts.
Total Study Hours
Teacher guided hours: 48
Learner guided hours: 72
Overview of Learning Resources
You will be provided with copies of lecture notes and additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference texts and resources in the library will also be provided.
Overview of Assessment
This course has no hurdle requirements.
The assessment will be through:
Assignments
Weighting 20%
Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5
Laboratory
Weighting 20%
Addressees CLO 3
Mid-semester exam (Thermal Physics)
Weighting 30%
Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5
End of semester exam (Statistical Mechanics)
Weighting 30%
Addresses CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6