Statistical Physics module (PH51011)

How do the properties of everyday materials emerge from the behaviour of vast numbers of tiny particles? In this module, you will explore how simple physical rules at the microscopic level give rise to the complex behaviour we observe in the real world.

You will build on your understanding of thermodynamics and discover how statistical physics connects the motion of individual particles to measurable quantities such as temperature, pressure, and energy. You will see how classical physics breaks down at small scales, leading to new ideas that explain phenomena such as black-body radiation.

You will then explore quantum statistics and uncover how different types of particles behave in fundamentally different ways. These ideas explain real systems, from electrons in metals to striking phenomena such as Bose–Einstein condensation.

You will also investigate how matter changes state and how phase transitions reveal deep underlying patterns in physical systems. Finally, you will be introduced to out-of-equilibrium physics, where systems evolve over time through processes such as diffusion and random motion.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• review core thermodynamic concepts, including state variables and thermodynamic potentials
• explore statistical ensembles and how they connect microscopic models to macroscopic behaviour
• investigate black-body radiation and the limits of classical physics
• study how the heat capacity of solids is explained using quantum models such as those developed by Einstein and Debye
• explore quantum statistics, including Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein distributions
• investigate phenomena such as Bose–Einstein condensation and electron behaviour in metals
• study phase transitions, including scaling and Landau’s mean-field theory
• explore out-of-equilibrium physics, including diffusion, random walks, and stochastic processes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• connect microscopic particle behaviour to macroscopic thermodynamic properties
• describe and apply key ideas in quantum statistics and phase transitions
• explain how collective behaviour emerges in physical systems
• apply advanced mathematical and physical techniques to complex problems

Assignments / assessment

• Coursework assignments (20%)
• ​In-course midterm assessment (30%)
• ​Two-hour written degree exam (50%)​

Teaching methods / timetable

You will learn through lectures and interactive problem-solving workshops.