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Title: M317, Statistical Mechanics
Institution: Murdoch University, Australia

Level:
Degree, diploma, postgraduate.

Description:
This course provides a review of classical equilibrium thermodynamics and an introduction to statistical mechanics. The following topics are covered: quantum states, microstates and macrostates; statistical methods in small and large systems; internal energy, equipartition and the first law of thermodynamics; states, entropy and the second law; thermal, mechanical and diffusive interactions; the Boltzmann distribution; thermometry, calorimetry; partition functions; heat and work cycles, engines and refrigerators; classical statistics, quantum statistics; applications to gases, spin systems, chemical equilibrium, phase transformations, radiation, thermal properties of solids and semiconductors; behaviour at low temperatures.

Assessment is by assignments and examination.

Prerequisite: M122 Particles in Motion or M150 Physics for Science and Engineering I.

Programmes for which this course is required or in which it can be included:
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Graduate Diploma in Science (Physics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Physics.


Languages:
English

Media and methods employed: Face-to-face tutorials, telephone tutorials, audio cassettes, video cassettes.
Specially written materials, including guides for self-paced study, supported where possible and where appropriate by audio and video cassette tapes, special audio-visual equipment, face-to-face tutoring, telephone tutoring.

Administrative information:
This is a 1 semester course (15 weeks). Between 10-14 hours of study per week is required. It is a 3 point course.

Murdoch University is a member of WADEC (the Western Australian Distance Education Consortium). Copyright in all external mode course materials is held by Murdoch University and enquiries regarding access to, or purchase of, materials should be addressed in the first instance to the Director of External Studies, Murdoch University.


Classification:
070430 PHYSICS

Date: 21 December 1995 bb
Source: 1996 Handbook & Calendar

© 1999 International Centre for Distance Learning, The Open University

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