Statistical Mechanics

Outline

Historical introduction. Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein and Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics. Thermodynamics. Ideal Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein gases. Fermionic systems in electromagnetic and gravitational fields at zero and finite temperatures. Chandrasekhar and Oppenheimer-Volkoff limits. Gravitational phase transition of fermionic matter. Landau diamagnetism, Pauli paramagnetism. Bose-Einstein condensation.

1 Unit
24 Lectures.
6 Tutorials.
1 Class test counting 25% towards final mark.
2 Hour examination: to take place in October/November, counting 60% towards final mark.

Literature

K Huang, Statistical Mechanics, Wiley, 1987.
D.H.Trevena, Statistical Mechanics, Ellis Horwood, New York 1993.

Lecturer: Dr A.T. Muronga.

RETURN TO: Physics Honours