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Statistical Physics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:55
Abstract
The lecture covers the concepts of classical and quantum statistical physics. The discussion ranges from foundations to specific systems, including their formalisms and techniques, such as bosonic and fermionic gases, and magnetism. Phenomena, most notably phase transitions, are treated by methods such as exact solutions, mean-field approximations, and the renormalization group.
Objective
This lecture gives an introduction in 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.
Content
Thermodynamics (recap): Laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, phenomenology of phase transitions of first and second order. Van der Waals gas-liquid transition. Classical statistical physics: micro-canonical-, canonical-, and grand canonical ensembles; applications to interacting systems, and cumulant expansion; the arrow of time. Quantum statistical physics: density matrix, ensembles, ideal quantum gases, fermions and bosons, second quantization, statistical interaction. Fermions: degenerate Fermi gas. Bosons: photons and phonons, Bose-Einstein condensation. Bogolyubov’s theory of superfluidity and liquid Helium. Magnetism: Ising-, XY-, Heisenberg models, exact solutions, spontaneous symmetry breaking, mean-field theory, Peierls' argument on long-range order, Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. Landau theory of phase transitions and symmetry. Critical phenomena: scaling theory, universality, and the renormalization group.
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.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 180 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Statistical Physics | No time listed | 4 h weekly |
| exercise | Statistical Physics | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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. Credits from other application areas cannot be recognised for further application areas.)
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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.)
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Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 14 of the required 26 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
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Core Courses (One Core Course from Physics Bachelor (BSc Regulation 2021) is eligible as an elective. To assign a category, leave the option "no category" and contact the Study Administration ( ) once you have received the credits.)
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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.)
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Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)
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