Introduction to Statistical Physics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to classical statistical mechanics in its traditional applications related to the thermodynamic properties of gases up to some more modern developments including phase transitions and critical phenomena.
Expected learning outcomes
The student at the end of the course will have acquired the following skills:
1) He/she will be able to perform elementary statistical and probabilistic operations.
2) He/she will know the relationship between Hamiltonian mechanics and thermodynamics.
3) He/she will be able to calculate the thermodynamic properties of a simple system from its Hamiltonian description.
4) He/she will know the properties of classical and quantum "ensembles" and will be able to determine to which cases to apply each ensemble.
5) He/she will have learned the different definitions of entropy.
6) He/she will know how to calculate the response of a system to an external perturbation.
7) He/she will know the properties of the Ising model in various dimensions.
8) He/she will know how to set an algorithm for the simulation of the Ising model.
9) He/she will be able to describe the properties of first and second order phase transitions.
1) He/she will be able to perform elementary statistical and probabilistic operations.
2) He/she will know the relationship between Hamiltonian mechanics and thermodynamics.
3) He/she will be able to calculate the thermodynamic properties of a simple system from its Hamiltonian description.
4) He/she will know the properties of classical and quantum "ensembles" and will be able to determine to which cases to apply each ensemble.
5) He/she will have learned the different definitions of entropy.
6) He/she will know how to calculate the response of a system to an external perturbation.
7) He/she will know the properties of the Ising model in various dimensions.
8) He/she will know how to set an algorithm for the simulation of the Ising model.
9) He/she will be able to describe the properties of first and second order phase transitions.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to statistical mechanics
Elements of probability theory
Random walks
Thermodynamic balance
Phase space and ergodicity
Entropy, disorder and information
Canonical and Grand Canonical Ensemble
Quantum statistical mechanics: Fermi and Bose distributions.
Ising model
Order parameters and symmetry breakage
Correlations, response and dissipation
First-rate phase transitions
Nucleation and Coarsening
Second order phase transitions
Universality and scale invariance
Elements of probability theory
Random walks
Thermodynamic balance
Phase space and ergodicity
Entropy, disorder and information
Canonical and Grand Canonical Ensemble
Quantum statistical mechanics: Fermi and Bose distributions.
Ising model
Order parameters and symmetry breakage
Correlations, response and dissipation
First-rate phase transitions
Nucleation and Coarsening
Second order phase transitions
Universality and scale invariance
Prerequisites for admission
To follow the course, it is necessary to know the basics of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, as taught in the first and second year of the three-year degree in physics.
Teaching methods
The course includes a series of theoretical lessons and some exercises. The exercises include the solution of problems related to the program and some computational lessons where students will have to simulate basic models of statistical physics (e.g. the Ising model, the random walk and the SIR model). The computational part will be done in python and it will take place in the computational lab or on students laptops. The theoretical lessons will be interspersed with short exercises proposed to the students in order to better consolidate the learning process.
Teaching Resources
James P. Sethna
Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity
Oxford University Press
Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity
Oxford University Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be written and will be divided into two parts: a part of exercises and some open-ended questions about the course program. The computational sessions may include, but on an optional basis, the delivery of a simulation code.
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS - University credits: 3
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 3
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Zapperi Stefano
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
11-12 Wednesday
office at the physics department or zoom (send email for an appointment)