PH3008 - Statistical Mechanics and Transport

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Engineering

Equilibrium statistical mechanics/ensemble theory. Classical and Quantum Statistics. Applications eg ideal gases, heat capacity, magnetism, Bose-Einstein condensation, Fermi-Dirac gases. Introduction to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and transport theory.

Learning Outcomes

• understanding of equilibrium statistical mechanics/ensemble theory;
• understanding of Classical and Quantum Statistics;
• understanding of applications eg ideal gases, heat capacity, magnetism, Bose-Einstein condensation, Fermi-Dirac gases;
• understanding of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and transport theory.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to a given discipline or discourse;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Prerequisites:	PH2019 AND PH2002 AND MA2000
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	PH2008

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Ronald White.
Contact hours:	39 hours lectures 13 hours tutorials 24 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50% - 70%); project, hand-in problems (10% - 20%); labs (10% - 20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.