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,
Sem 2 2024

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

Recommended Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course: 

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer. 

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience. 


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 program learning outcomes for the following programs: 

BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Physics major)  

PLO3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making. 
PLO5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.  

BP229P7 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)  
BP229PHYS - Bachelor of Science (Physics) 

PLO 2.1 Scientific knowledge - You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts. 

BP247ASCDD - Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) 

PLO 2.1 Scientific knowledge - You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts. 
PLO 2.2 Scientific knowledge - You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages. 
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization. 
PLO 3.4 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively. 
PLO 3.5 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will possess an ability to accurately record, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your research findings. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide. 


Upon successful completion of 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. Evaluate the molecular basis of the thermodynamic laws and properties;
  4. Review the basic atomic models of gases, liquids, solids and phase transitions;
  5. 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: In-class Exercises and Quizzes 
Weighting 10% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5 

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

Assessment Task 3: Test (Thermal Physics) 
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports  CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5 

Assessment Task 4: Test (Statistical Mechanics) 
Weighting 30% 
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.