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Statistical Physics

* Exchange students do not have to consider this information when selecting suitable courses for an exchange stay.

Course Unit Code480-4021/01
Number of ECTS Credits Allocated5 ECTS credits
Type of Course Unit *Compulsory
Level of Course Unit *Second Cycle
Year of Study *First Year
Semester when the Course Unit is deliveredSummer Semester
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-face
Language of InstructionCzech
Prerequisites and Co-Requisites Course succeeds to compulsory courses of previous semester
Name of Lecturer(s)Personal IDName
CIP10doc. RNDr. Dalibor Ciprian, Ph.D.
Summary
The content of the course is focused on basic ideas and methods of physical system description using mathematical statistics. The basic classical and quantum distributions are derived, and the interconnection with thermodynamics is presented. The applications of statistical physics methods are demonstrated on simple systems.
Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
The aim of the course is to present basic ideas and methods od statistical physics. After the course, the students are able to analyse and understand the behavior of simple systems described statistical physics models, and interconnect it to thermodynamics.
Course Contents
1. Combinatorics and probability calculus essentials
2. Basic definitions and principles od statistical physics and classical mechanics
3. Statistical ensembles - micro and macrostates, mean values and fluctuations
4. Probability density, Liouville's theorem, ergodic hypothesis
5. Microcanonic ensemble, thermodynamic probability and entropy
6. Canonical ensemble and its properties, distribution and partition functions
7. Relationship of partition function and thermodynamic quantities
8. Applications - Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, classical and quantum harmonic oscillator
9. Grandcanonical ensemble and its partition function, chemical potential
10. Quantum statistics - Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions
11. Applications - phonons, free electron and photon gas
12. Statistical physics of magnetism, lattice systems
13. Computer models in statistical mechanics
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
Reif, F., Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, Waveland Pr Inc., 2008, ISBN-13 978-1577666127
Hill, T., L., An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics, Dover Publications, 1987, ISBN 978-0486652429
Kvasnica, J., Statistická fyzika, Academia, 1998, ISBN 80-200-0676-1
Boublík, T., Statistická termodynamika, Academia, 1996, ISBN 80-200-0566-8.

Hill, T., L., An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics, Dover Publications, 1987, ISBN 978-0486652429
Recommended Reading:
Chandler, D., Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 1987, ISBN 978-0195042771
Pathria, R., K., Statistical Mechanics, 3rd Ed., Academic Press, 2011, ISBN 978-0123821881
Maršák, Z., Termodynamika a statistická fyzika, ČVUT Praha, 1995, ISBN 80-01-01401-0
Malijevský, A., Lekce ze statistické termodynamiky, 3. vyd., Vydavatelství VŠCHT Praha, 2009, ISBN 978-80-7080-710-1
Chandler, D., Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 1987, ISBN 978-0195042771
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials
Assesment methods and criteria
Task TitleTask TypeMaximum Number of Points
(Act. for Subtasks)
Minimum Number of Points for Task Passing
Credit and ExaminationCredit and Examination100 (100)51
        CreditCredit30 16
        ExaminationExamination70 35