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PHYS 3P41: Statistical Physics 1/PHYS 5P11: Theoretical Foundations of Materials Physics I

Course Outline 2023 (FW 2023/24 D2)

What this course is about:

This course will provide an introduction to concepts in Thermal and Statistical Physics. The course will have three major sections: Kinetic Theory, Classical Thermodynamics and an introduction to Statistical Mechanics.

Requirements:

Prerequisite for PHYS 3P41: PHYS 2P50

Learning Objectives/Outcomes:

To establish the vocabulary and concepts of introductory thermal and statistical physics. To analyze and solve problems using oral and written reasoning skills both independently and in a group setting.

Topics covered:

Introduction

Heat, Heat Capacity
Review of Probability
Statistical Interpretation of Temperature

Kinetic Theory of Gases

Maxwell Boltzmann Distribution
Gas Laws
Effusion, Flux
Collisions
Transport Properties
Thermal Diffusion Equation

Classical Thermodynamics

The First Law of Thermodynamics
Isothermal and Adiabatic Processes
The Second Law of Thermodynamics, Heat Engines
Entropy
Thermodynamic Potentials, Maxwell's Relations
Applications
The Third Law of Thermodynamics

Statistical Mechanics

Equipartition of Energy
Partition Function, Functions of State
Chemical Potential, Grand Partition Function
Further Examples (time permitting)

Required Textbook:

Concepts in Thermal Physics, 2nd Edition by Stephen J. Blundell and Katherine M. Blundell (Oxford University Press, 2010).

Note: In person classes at Brock University end ten minutes ahead of the hour or half hour to facilitate transfer time.

Instructor:

Maureen Reedyk (MC B205, ext. 3877, e-mail: mreedyk@brocku.ca)

Tutorial Leader:

Jeremy Dion, e-mail: jd13yi@brocku.ca)

Course Communications:

For class communications monitor your Brock email.

The marking scheme:

Component Weight

Reading quizzes 15% Done in Webwork. Based on readings in the textbook as assigned on the Brightspace course site.

Tutorial Work Sheets 20% Completed during Tutorial timeslot.

Homework Assignments 3x5%=15% Will consist of a selection of problems based on the 'Suggested Problems' listed in the Brightspace modules.

Midterm Test 20% Friday October 27 during lecture time slot.

Examination 30% You must obtain a grade of 40% or greater on the final exam in order to pass the course. The exam will be in one or more of handwritten and/or Webwork and/or oral formats at the discretion of the instructor.

Webwork:

Reading quizzes are done using Brock's WeBWorK system, which can be accessed at WeBWorK. Scroll down the displayed list of courses, click on the course that you are enrolled in (PHYS3P41PHYS5P11D022023) and log on using your Brock username (of the form ab18cd) and password.

Important Dates:

The last date for withdrawal from this course without academic penalty is Nov 7 2023. For other important dates see the Office of the Registrar's sessional or important dates.

Notes:

Must be present in-person in tutorial to obtain credit for tutorial work.
No late Work will be accepted.
Tests and the examination will be based on material covered during lectures, tutorials and homework assignments.
Assignments, Tests and Examination may be different for PHYS 3P41 and PHYS 5P11.
Topics may be covered in lectures, tutorials, assigned readings and/or homework problems.
If your grade is less than 40% on the final exam your final grade can be no greater than 45, according to Registrar's Office policy. In this case, your reported final grade will be either your calculated final grade or 45, whichever is less.

Academic Policies:

Academic Integrity:

academic misconduct policies

http://brocku.ca/webcal

https://brocku.ca/academic-integrity/

Intellectual Property Notice:

All slides, presentations, handouts, tests, exams, and other course materials created by the instructor in this course are the intellectual property of the instructor. A student who publicly posts or sells an instructor’s work, without the instructor’s express consent, may be charged with misconduct under Brock’s Academic Integrity Policy and/or Code of Conduct, and may also face adverse legal consequences for infringement of intellectual property rights.

Special Accommodation:

a) If you require academic accommodation because of a disability or an ongoing health or mental health condition, please contact Student Accessibility Services.
b) If you require academic accommodation because of an incapacitating medical condition, you must, as soon as practicable, inform your instructor(s) of your inability to complete your academic work. You must also submit a Brock University Student Medical Certificate (found at forms and self service ). The University may, at its discretion, request more detailed documentation in certain cases. If you are unable to write a scheduled examination due to an incapacitating medical condition, you must follow the process set out in the Faculty Handbook III:9.4.1.
c) If you are experiencing mental health concerns, resources can be found here.
d) Information regarding the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre can be found here.
e) If you require academic accommodation on religious grounds, you should make a formal, written request to your instructor(s) for alternative dates and/or means of satisfying requirements. Such requests should be made during the first two weeks of any given academic term, or as soon as possible after a need for accommodation is known to exist.
f) Information regarding Human Rights and Equity can be found here.

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