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

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Manfred Sigrist
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:13

Abstract

This lecture covers the concepts of classical and quantum statistical physics, and some aspects of kinetic gas theory. In a more advanced part Bose-Einstein condensation, general mean field theory and critical phenomena will be addressed. Finally also various aspects of linear response theory will be discussed.

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 education.

Content

Basics of phenomenological thermodynamics, three laws of thermodynamics. Basics of kinetic gas theory: conservation laws, H-theorem, Boltzmann-Equations, Maxwell distribution. Classical statistical physics: microcanonical ensembles, canonical ensembles and grandcanonical ensembles, applications to simple systems. Quantum statistical physics: single particle, ideal quantum gases, fermions and bosons. Bose-Einstein condensation: Bogolyubov theory, superfluidity. Mean field and Landau theory: Ising model, Heisenberg model, Landau theory of phase transitions, fluctuations. Critical phenomena: mean field, series expansions, scaling behavior, universality. Renormalization group: fixed points, simple models. Linear response theory: general formulation, response in mean field, sum rules, collective modes, fluctuation dissipation theorem.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be provided.

Literature

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

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Statistical Physics
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HPV G 5)
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 5)
4 h weekly
exercise Statistical Physics
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HCI H 8.1)
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HPV G 5)
1 h weekly

Offered In