University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

The aim of this module is to cover at honours level the principles and most important applications of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The syllabus includes: equilibrium; the equation of state; the classical perfect gas; discussion of experimental results that lead to the three laws of thermodynamics; idealised reversible engines; the Clausius inequality; the classical concept of entropy and its connection to equilibrium; thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell's relations; open systems and the chemical potential; phase transitions and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation for first order transitions; higher order phase transitions; the connection between statistical physics and thermodynamics; the Boltzmann form for the entropy; microstates and macrostates; the statistics of distinguishable particles; the Boltzmann distribution; the partition function; statistical definition of the entropy and Helmholtz free energy; statistical mechanics of two-level systems; energy levels and degeneracy; quantum statistics: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions; density of states; black-body radiation; Bose-Einstein condensation; Fermi energy; quantum gases and the classical limit; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; equipartition of energy; negative temperatures.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass 4 modules from {PH2011, PH2012, MT2501, MT2503} and ( pass at least 1 module from {PH3081, PH3082} or pass 2 modules from {MT2506, MT2507} )

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and fortnightly tutorials

Scheduled learning hours: 37

Guided independent study hours: 113

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 80%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 20%

Re-assessment: Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A W Rost
Module coordinator email a.rost@st-andrews.ac.uk

Additional information from school

To be confirmed