PHYC20100 Thermo & Stat Physics

Academic Year 2021/2022

The concepts of thermodynamics and statistical physics see wide application across the sciences. The first part of this module introduces and discusses the concept of thermodynamic variables, intensive and extensive quantities, the laws of thermodynamics, cyclic processes, the Maxwell relationships and phase changes. The second part of this module exposes the statistical aspect of thermodynamics, including Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics, Planck's law and Bose-Einstein condensation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Understanding the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and statistical physics, ability to understand, assess and solve problems in this area of physics.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Seminar (or Webinar)

1
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

44
Total

121
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PHYC10250 - Thermal Physics and Materials, PHYC20030 - Thermal Physics and Materials

Incompatibles:
PHYC30010 - Thermo & Stat Physics

Additional Information:
The students must have taken a prior module in "Thermal Physics and Materials" , such as PHYC10250 or PHYC20030. Please see the module description for PHYC10250 (or the older) PHYC20030 for topics that are pre-requisites for PHYC20100.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written final exam. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70
Continuous Assessment: Homework assignments Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is given on homework assignments. This prepares students for the final examination. Individual feedback can be provided to students directly from the lecturer if sought.