Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter

This is a basic course in statistical physics and condensed matter. Thermodynamics is developed from a microscopic point of view, and is then applied to understand basic properties of materials.
Quote from previous student. "Wow, great teacher."

Foto: Jens Olof Lasthein

In this course you study fundamental concepts in statistical physics, such as the Boltzmann distribution, the equipartition theorem, and the partition function. From this, various properties of Bose and Fermi gases, such as black-body radiation, the specific heat of metals and Bose-Einstein condensation will be derived. Concepts in condensed matter such as Fermi energy and Fermi surface, density of states, reciprocal lattice, crystal structure and phonons will also be discussed.

This course is included as a mandatory course in the third year of the Bachelor Program in Physics. It can also be taken as freestanding course.


Teaching Format

The teaching consists of lectures and problem solving sessions, and a mandatory laboratory session. Hand-ins are assigned every week and can give bonus points for the exam.


Assessment

The examination consists of a written exam at the end of the course, as well as a short laboratory report.

Examiner

Supriya Krishnamurthy

Sören Holst

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
  • Daniel V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics, Addison Wesley (2000)
  • Steven H. Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics, Oxford University Press (2013)
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.






Course coordinators and teachers

Supriya Krishnamurthy, supriya.krishnamurthy@fysik.su.se

Sören Holst, holst@fysik.su.se

Academic advisor

studievagledare@fysik.su.se

Student office

studentexp@fysik.su.se

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