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402-0861-00L 10 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-MATH , D-PHYS
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Statistical Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Gianni Blatter
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:09

Abstract

The lecture focuses on classical and quantum statistical physics. Various techniques, cumulant expansion, path integrals, and specific systems are discussed: Fermions, photons/phonons, Bosons, magnetism, van der Waals gas. Phase transitions are studied in mean field theory (Weiss, Landau). Including fluctuations leads to critical phenomena, scaling, and the renormalization group.

Objective

This lecture gives an introduction into the basic concepts and applications of statistical physics for the general use in physics and, in particular, as a preparation for the theoretical solid state physics education.

Content

Thermodynamics, three laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, phenomenology of phase transitions. Classical statistical physics: micro-canonical-, canonical-, and grandcanonical ensembles, applications to simple systems. Quantum statistical physics: single particle, ideal quantum gases, fermions and bosons, statistical interaction. Techniques: variational approach, cumulant expansion, path integral formulation. Degenerate fermions: Fermi gas, electrons in magnetic field. Bosons: photons and phonons, Bose-Einstein condensation. Magnetism: Ising-, XY-, Heisenberg models, Weiss mean-field theory. Van der Waals gas-liquid transition in mean field theory. General mean-field (Landau) theory of phase transitions, first- and second order, tricritical point. Fluctuations: field theory approach, Gauss theory, self-consistent field, Ginzburg criterion. Critical phenomena: scaling theory, universality. Renormalization group: general theory and applications to spin models (real space RG), phi^4 theory (k-space RG), Kosterlitz-Thouless theory.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes available in English.

Literature

No specific book is used for the course. Relevant literature will be given in the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Statistical Physics
Die Vorlesung wird nur online angeboten, keine Studierenden in den Hörsäälen.
  • Tue 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 5)
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 4)
4 h weekly
exercise Statistical Physics
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Tue 15:45-17:30 (HCI D 8)
  • Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIL F 10.3)
  • Tue 15:45-17:30 (HPL D 34)
  • Tue 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIT H 42)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIT J 52)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIT K 51)
  • Fri 15:45-17:30 (HCI H 2.1)
  • Fri 15:45-17:30 (HIL C 10.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mathematics Master
    • Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area.)
      • Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0205-00L Quantum Mechanics I is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
    • Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  • Physics Master
    • Core Courses (One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.)
  • Doctoral Department of Mathematics (More Information at: The list of courses (together with the allocated credit points) eligible for doctoral students is published each semester in the newsletter of the ZGSM. WARNING: Do not mistake ECTS credits for credit points for doctoral studies!)
  • Quantum Engineering Master
    • Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
      • Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)