Course Syllabus

Course Information
Physics 5310-001 STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Days: Monday and Wednesday Aug 24, 2009 - Dec 4, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.
Room 105, Science Hall

Contact Information
Instructor: Dr. Nail Fazleev
Chemistry and Physics Building, Room 336
Office hours: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday & Wednesday or by appointment.
Tel: (817) 272-2469
Fax (817) 272-3637
E-mail: [email protected]

Course Prerequisites
PHYS 4315 or permission of Graduate Advisor. It is assumed that students have a basic working
knowledge of classical and quantum mechanics, including Hamiltonian formulation and density
matrices.

Required Textbook
Pathria R.K., Statistical Mechanics, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, 1996.

Recommended Books:
Huang, Kerson. Statistical Mechanics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Wiley, 1987.
Landau, L. D., and E. M. Lifshitz. Statistical Physics. Part 1. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Pergamon,
1980.
Ma, Shang-keng. Statistical Mechanics. Translated by M. K. Fung. Philadelphia, PA: World
Scientific, 1985.
Reif, Frederick, ed. Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill,
1965.
Feynman, Richard Phillips. Statistical Mechanics. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1998.

If you have a personal interest in particular areas and/or applications of statistical mechanics, I can
provide you additional references as well.

Course Description
This is a graduate level course on principles of statistical mechanics and their applications to
various physical systems. We will study fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical
mechanics, including probability theory, kinetic theory, entropy, classical statistical mechanics,
ensembles, quantum statistical mechanics, ideal Bose and Fermi systems, and phase transitions.

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The specific content of the course will be drawn from the textbook “Statistical Mechanics” by
Pathria R.K. However, there will be departures from the book and additional material not covered
in the book.

Goals and Student Learning Objectives

The main goal of this course is to acquire fundamental knowledge of classical and quantum
statistical mechanics; construct a bridge between macroscopic thermodynamics and microscopic
statistical mechanics by using mathematical methods and fundamental physics for individual
particles. Problem solving is stressed as a means of imparting physical understanding and intuition.
We will study how general principles of statistical mechanics actually work in some simple and
complex systems and what powerful notions and ideas have been developed to approach complex
cases. We will explore relationships between macroscopic properties of large systems and
microscopic behavior of the particles these systems are comprised of. The richness and complexity
of the behavior exhibited by many-particle systems is incredible. In this course, however, we would
be able to explore only very few illustrating examples. We will be dealing with elements of
statistical thermodynamics, kinetics, and the theory of phase transitions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the instructor would like to have students clearly understand basic
principles, be able to see relationships between ideas, and be able to use principles and ideas to
calculate properties of simple statistical systems.

Students will
• Learn different statistical ensembles, their distribution functions, ranges of applicability and
the corresponding thermodynamic potentials
• Apply classical and quantum distributions in circumstances varying from standard examples
to statistics of charge carriers in semiconductors, chemical reactions and ions in electrolyte
solutions
• Learn relationship between equilibrium distributions and kinetic processes leading to
equilibrium
• Become aware of the richness and complexity of statistical behavior exhibited by interacting
systems and various approaches (phenomenological and microscopic) developed to
comprehend such systems

Course Outline

1. Review of thermodynamics;
2. Probability Theory;
3. Classical statistical mechanics;
4. Interacting Systems;
5. Ensemble theory;
6. Quantum statistical mechanics;
7. Ideal Bose systems;
8. Ideal Fermi systems
9. Phase Transitions.

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Homework
The homework assignments are an important part of this course, and the final average homework
score will count for 45% of the final grade. You may consult with classmates in "study groups," as
long as you write out your own answers, and do not use solution-sets from previous years.
Occasionally, there are problems marked as optional in the problem sets. If attempted, these
problems will be graded as other problems, and their score added to the total. The overall grade for
the course has a 45% contribution from the (required) problem sets. Thus, perfect scores on all the
non-optional problems leads to the maximal grade of 45 from the problem sets. The optional
problems provide a chance to reach the 45%-score for the problem sets, even when some of the
required problems are not correct. You are also encouraged to read selected sections of the
supplementary material (such as may be pointed out in class on various occasions). Homework
assignments are expected to be done by the due date, however an extra time may be given to submit
improved versions. It is the intent of the instructor to have open discussions of some homework
problems during classroom hours. The homework may include not only problems but also self-
study topics.
One piece of advice: Do not get behind. It is important to understand the material that is being
presented now in order to understand the material that will be presented later. If you get behind, it
will be very difficult for you will to catch up.

Exams
There is a midterm exam and a final exam. Each exam score will count for 25% of the final grade.
A missed midterm will be averaged into the final grade as zero, unless an excuse is obtained in
advance. Excuses are granted only for very serious circumstances. A student who has been excused
may be required to take a makeup exam.
Final Exam is on Monday, December 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Grading

In accordance with the course objectives, conceptual understanding and ability to apply principles
to actual problem solving are the keys to high grades. The final grades will be determined from
activities percentages: (a) Midterm Exam 25%; (b) Homework 45%; (c) Final Exam 30%.
Your consistent effort during the whole semester is evidently highly valued.
Your final letter grade will reflect our best attempt to evaluate objectively your performance
in the course:
A: Exceptionally good performance, demonstrating a superior understanding of the subject matter, a
foundation of extensive knowledge, and a skillful use of concepts and/or materials.
B: Good performance, demonstrating capacity to use the appropriate concepts, a good
understanding of the subject matter, and an ability to handle the problems and materials encountered
in the subject.
C: Adequate performance, demonstrating an adequate understanding of the subject matter, an ability
to handle relatively simple problems, and adequate preparation for moving on to more advanced
work in the field.

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D: Minimally acceptable performance, demonstrating at least partial familiarity with the subject
matter and some capacity to deal with relatively simple problems, but also demonstrating
deficiencies serious enough to make it inadvisable to proceed further in the field without additional
work.
F: Failed. This grade also signifies that the student must repeat the subject to receive credit.

Course & Instructor Policies

Every attempt will be made to give students an opportunity to improve their standing. A proactive student's
position in and out of the classroom is encouraged and expected, and your feedback is always welcome.
Attendance of lectures is strongly advised. The integrity of students' behavior matters - working in groups
and using various materials is encouraged but it is the individual understanding of the subject and results
that will be tested: a student should be able to explain his/her solution.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal
equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 93112 -- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
With the passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans With Disabilities Act - (ADA), pursuant to
section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same
opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students with

disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests
with informing faculty at the beginning of the semester and in providing authorized documentation
through designated administrative channels.

Academic Dishonesty

It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely
unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic
dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may
include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for
credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an
examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to
commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2,
Subdivision 3.22)

Student Support Services Available

The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect
with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance,
developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded

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programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of
Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.

Grade Replacement:

If you are retaking this course in order to replace a previous grade, you must complete the necessary form
by census day. The forms required are located at the Bursar's Office in Davis Hall. If you do not complete
the forms by census day, the University will not honor the replacement.

Drop for Non-Payment of Tuition:

If you are dropped from this class for non-payment of tuition, you may secure an Enrollment Loan through
the Bursar’s Office. You may not continue to attend class until your Enrollment Loan has been applied to
outstanding tuition fees.

Other Drops:

Students wishing to drop this class or resign from the university during the semester must do it themselves,
but should consult the instructor in advance to determine the course grade to be reported.