Checking date: 30/06/2020


Course: 2019/2020

Statistical Physics
(18316)
Bachelor in Engineering Physics (Plan: 434 - Estudio: 363)


Coordinating teacher: TRIBALDOS MACIA, VICTOR

Department assigned to the subject: Physics Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 3.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




CB1. Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon their general secondary education, and is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of their field of study CB2. Students can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study CB3. Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues CB4. Students can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences CB5. Students have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy CG2. Learn new methods and technologies from basic scientific and technical knowledge, and being able to adapt to new situations. CG3. Solve problems with initiative, decision making, creativity, and communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities, understanding the ethical, social and professional responsibility of the engineering activity. Capacity for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. CG4. Solve mathematical, physical, chemical, biological and technological problems that may arise within the framework of the applications of quantum technologies, nanotechnology, biology, micro- and nano-electronics and photonics in various fields of engineering. CG5. Use the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the definition, approach and resolution of problems in the framework of the exercise of their profession. CE13. Understand and handle solid state physical principles relevant to engineering and, in particular, semiconductors for application in electronic and photonic components, as well as the fundamentals and applications of analog and digital electronics and microprocessors. CE15. Understand and handle the physical principles associated with light-matter interaction and to apply them to the use and design of various photonic devices and complete photonic systems, as well as to apply photonic devices and systems in different branches of physics, engineering and biology. CE17. Understand and handle the fundamental concepts of Quantum Physics, its relationship with Classical Physics, and its application to the understanding of the physics of atoms and molecules, as well as solving simple one- and three-dimensional quantum problems and applying approximate resolution methods. CE18. Understand and handle the fundamental concepts of Statistical Physics and their relationship with macroscopic reality, the statistics of classical and quantum systems, and the application of these statistics to relevant situations in Physics and Engineering. CT1. Work in multidisciplinary and international teams as well as organize and plan work making the right decisions based on available information, gathering and interpreting relevant data to make judgments and critical thinking within the area of study. RA1. To have acquired sufficient knowledge and proved a sufficiently deep comprehension of the basic principles, both theoretical and practical, and  methodology of the more important fields in science and technology as to be able to work successfully in them; RA2. To be able, using arguments, strategies and procedures developed by themselves, to apply their knowledge and abilities to the successful solution of complex technological problems that require creating and innovative thinking; RA3. To be able to search for, collect and interpret relevant information and data to back up their conclusions including, whenever needed, the consideration of any social, scientific and ethical aspects relevant in their field of study; RA6. To be aware of their own shortcomings and formative needs in their field of specialty, and to be able to plan and organize their own training with a high degree of independence.
Description of contents: programme
1. Foundations of Statistical Physics. Microscopic and macroscopic states. Thermodynamic states. Classical phase space. Lioville¿s theorem. 2. Classical microcanonic ensemble. Equilibrium of an isolated system. Application to the ideal gas. 3. Classical canonical ensemble. Equilibrium of a system with an energy reservoir. Partition function. Equipartition theorem. Virial theorem. System of harmonic oscillators. Application to paramagnetism. 4. Grand canonical ensemble. Equilibrium of a system in contact with a reservoir of particles and energy. Application to the ideal gas. 5. Quantum statistics. Quantum phase space. Density matrix. Quantum ensembles: micro-, macro- and grand canonical. 6. Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. Theory of gases. Photon and Phonon gases. 7. Bose-Einstain statistics. Bose-Einstein condensates 8. Fermi-Dirac statistics. Electron gases
Learning activities and methodology
AF1. THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL CLASSES. Knowledge and concepts students mustacquire. Receive course notes and will have basic reference texts.Students partake in exercises to resolve practical problems AF2. TUTORING SESSIONS. Individualized attendance (individual tutoring) or in-group (group tutoring) for students with a teacher.Subjects with 6 credits have 4 hours of tutoring/ 100% on- site attendance. AF3. STUDENT INDIVIDUAL WORK OR GROUP WORK.Subjects with 6 credits have 98 hours/0% on-site. AF9. FINAL EXAM. Global assessment of knowledge, skills and capacities acquired throughout the course. It entails 4 hours/100% on-site MD1. THEORY CLASS. Classroom presentations by the teacher with IT and audiovisual support in which the subject`s main concepts are developed, while providing material and bibliography to complement student learning MD2. PRACTICAL CLASS. Resolution of practical cases and problem, posed by the teacher, and carried out individually or in a group MD3. TUTORING SESSIONS. Individualized attendance (individual tutoring sessions) or in-group (group tutoring sessions) for students with teacher as tutor. Subjects with 6 credits have 4 hours of tutoring/100% on-site.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.