PHYS5130 Principles of Thermal and Statistical Physics (a course for M.Sc. students)
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PHYS5130 Principles of Thermal and Statistical Physics (a course for M.Sc. students)

This is a graduate level introduction to thermal and statistical physics for students in the M.Sc. in Physics Programme. This course intends to give an overview under one course covering the laws of thermodynamics, statistical basis of thermodynamics, ensemble theories, and Fermi and Bose gases. Optional topics include interacting systems, quantum statistics, non-equilibrium dynamics, and phase transitions.
Course Instructor

Prof. Pak Ming HUI
Office: SC 209, Phone: 39436351, Email: pmhui(at)phy.cuhk.edu.hk
Consultation Hours: I will stay on after Zoom classes to answer questions. Questions via emails are welcome. Additional consultation hours will be added if needed.

Teaching Assistant(s)

Mr. San Lam Jack NG
Email: 1155094713(at)link.cuhk.edu.hk
Consultation Hours: Friday 10:30 -- 12:15
[Zoom link to TA Consultation Hours will be sent to students on the class list via Blackboard.]

Lectures/Tutorials/Discussion

Tuesdays 18:30 - 20:15 pm
Thursdays 18:30 - 20:15 pm (19:30 - 20:15 will be used for make-up teaching when the schedule is tight, working out examples, and for questions and further discussion)
[Zoom link to classes will be sent to students on the class list via Blackboard.]

Textbook(s)/Reference Books

  • Class Notes will be provided (see download area)
  • Reference Books are listed in Class Notes

    • Assessment Scheme (adjusted to Covid-19 situation)

    Homework 65%
    Final Examination (format to be announced) 35%
    [Students should submit their homework in one pdf file to the course page in the Blackboard system]

    Course Outline

    See Class Notes
  • Key Concepts of Thermodynamics: Partial derivatives, Energy (heat, work) and 1st Law, Entropy and 2nd Law, gases and other systems, Legendre transforms and Potentials, Maxwell's relations.
  • Principles of Statistical Mechanics: Boltzmann's formula S = k ln W, ensemble theories, partition functions, and selected applications
  • Fermi gas: Fermi-Dirac function - its physical meaning and applications
  • Bose gas: Bose-Einstein function - its physical meaning and applications
  • Some interacting systems: Interactions will lead to phase transitions (Van der Waals equation, magnetic systems)
  • Other topics (optional): Ising model, mean field theory, Landau Theory