Course Title: Thermal & Statistical Physics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Thermal & Statistical Physics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2177

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Prof. Peter Daivis

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3393

Course Coordinator Email: peter.daivis@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 014.06.006

Course Coordinator Availability: Please email to make an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


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 be able to:

  1. Apply intermediate level knowledge in the area of thermal and statistical physics
  2. Analyse and solve problems in the areas of thermal and statistical physics
  3. Communicate the results of experiments
  4. Evaluate the molecular basis of the thermodynamic laws and properties;
  5. Review the basic atomic models of gases, liquids, solids and phase transitions;
  6. Apply statistical mechanical techniques to a variety of applied problems such as equation of state and heat capacity modelling.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Assignments and Quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports  CLO 3

Assessment Task 3: Test (Thermal Physics)
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports  CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5

Assessment Task 4: Test (Statistical Mechanics)
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports  CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.