Advanced Statistical Mechanics 2
Module PH2016
Basic Information
PH2016 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
This module description is valid to WS 2014/5.
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2016 is the Dean of Studies at Physics Department.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
Topics:
- Phase Transitions (Landau theory, Gaussian fluctuations, critical exponents, scaling hypothesis, renormalization group theory)
- Theory of Liquids (correlation functions, Ornstein-Zernike equation, critical slowing down, long-time tails, glassy behavior, mode-mode coupling, water solvation)
Learning Outcome
At the end of ASM-II students understand the microsopic origins of fluctuations close to phase transitions. They can calculate fluctuation effects on the Gaussian level, they can formulate the scaling hypothesis and derive relations between critical exponents and perform simple real-space Renormalization group calculations. They can use basic concepts of liquid theory and solvation.
Preconditions
Keine Vorkenntnisse nötig, die über die Zulassungsvoraussetzungen zum Masterstudium hinausgehen.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Learning and Teaching Methods
lecture, beamer presentation, board work, exercises in individual and group work
Media
practise sheets
Literature
- Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, de Groot and Mazur
- The Fokker-Planck Equation, Risken
- Stochastic processes in physics and chemistry, N. G. van Kampen
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.
In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester. There is a possibility to take the exam in the following semester.