Yearbooks

BACK

Statistical mechanics, solid state physics and modelling 364


 
Module code PHY 364
Qualification Undergraduate
Faculty Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Module content

Statistical mechanics (28 lectures)
Isolated systems in thermodynamical equilibrium. Systems in equilibrium with a heat bath: the canonical ensemble, Gibbs' entropic formula, classical statistical mechanics, energy equipartition theorem, thermodynamic potentials, paramagnetism.
The classical limit of perfect gases: non-distinguishable character of quantum particles, the equation of state of the classical ideal gas. Quantum perfect gases: Black body radiation, the grand canonical ensemble, Fermi-Dirac distribution, the free electron gas in metals, the Bose-Einstein distribution, Bose-Einstein condensation.
Solid state physics (28 lectures)
Crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, x-ray diffraction, lattice vibration, the Debye model, characteristics of solids, the free electron model, Pauli paramagnetism, electronic heat capacity, the relaxation time, electrical conduction, the classical Hall effect, thermal conduction in metals, failures of the free electron model, the independent electron model, band theory of solids.
Computational Physics and modelling. Assessment will be done through a portfolio of project reports. The topics for the projects will be selected from various sub-disciplines of Physics.
Module credits 36.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites PHY 356 and WTW 211 and WTW 218 and WTW 248 GS
Contact time 2 discussion classes per week, 2 practicals per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Department Physics
Period of presentation Semester 2
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

Postal Address:
University of Pretoria
Private Bag x 20
Hatfield
0028

Location:
GIBS | Groenkloof | Hatfield
Hillcrest | Mamelodi | Onderstepoort | Prinshof

Student Service Centre (for Contact students):
Contact Centre - Telephone: 012 420 3111
Contact Centre - Email: [email protected]

UPOnline Call Centre (for Online Students):
Call Centre - Email: [email protected]

Get Social With Us

Download the UP Mobile App

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

Careers@UP | Tenders@UP | Ethics Hotline | PAIA Manual | Privacy Notices | Website Privacy Notice | Disclaimer | Terms of use

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences