An introduction to the physics of many-particle systems. The laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The structure of crystalline solids, and the thermal and electrical properties of solid state systems.
| Paper title | Thermal and Condensed Matter Physics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI341 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- MATH 140 or MATH 170
- Pre or Corequisite
- PHSI 221 or CHEM 201
- Restriction
- PHSI 332
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- Teaching staff
- Textbooks
D. V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics, Addison Wesley Longman.
* S. H. Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics, Oxford (optional).
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy,
Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- State the laws of thermodynamics and understand their significance in providing the framework for classical thermal physics.
- Understand how the second law of thermodynamics emerges from statistical considerations, and derive the thermodynamic behaviour of simple systems from first principles.
- Use thermal and statistical physics to determine the physical properties of realistic systems.
- Describe a crystalline solid in terms of the direct and reciprocal lattices, and infer crystal structures from X-ray diffraction data.
- Understand optical, vibrational and electronic wave propagation in crystalline solids.
- Use appropriate microscopic models to describe the physical properties of metals, insulators, semiconductors, and magnetic systems.
