Statistical and Computational Physics

Code:

F303

Acronym:

F303

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:AST	0	Plano de Estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	7,5	-
L:F	29	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	7,5	-
M:ENM	0	PE do Mestrado em Engenharia Matemática	1	-	7,5	-	-
MI:EF	29	Plano de Estudos a partir de 2007	3	-	7,5	-
M:M	1	PE do Mestrado em Matemática	1	-	7,5	-	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To get familiar with the ideas and methods of statistical physics. To introduce the fundamental results of classical and quantum statistical physics of systems in equilibrium. To discuss some applications of statistical physics to classical and quantum systems.

Learning outcomes and competences

To be able to solve problems by means of a statistical approach and to establish the connection with thermodynamics. To perform some simple numerical simulations.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Some basic knowledge of Mechanics and Thermal Physics.

Program

Notions of the Theory of Probability and Statistics. Binomial, Gaussian and Poisson distributions. Central limit theorem. Numerical simulation of random processes. Random walk and the diffusion equation. Ideas based on Statistical Physics. Description and enumeration of states. Statistical ensemble. Classical systems. Dynamics in phase space. Ergodic hypothesis. Classical Statistical Physics. Microcanonical, canonical and macrocanonical distributions. Monte-Carlo Method in Statistical Physics. Simple and importance sampling. Metropolis method. Quantum statistics. Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Classical limit. Perfect Bose gas. Perfect Fermi gas. Applications. Bose-Einstein condensation, conduction electrons in metals, specific heat of solids, star equilibrium and evolution.

Mandatory literature

T. Fliesbach ; Curso de Física Estatística
S. Salinas ; Introdução à Física Estatística
E. Lage ; Física Estatística
J. P. Sethna ; Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity
H. Gould, J. Tobochnik ; An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods

Teaching methods and learning activities

Practical classes to solve a list of problems and a few introductiory computational classes.

keywords

Physical sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Total:	56,00

Eligibility for exams

Students should not exceed 4 absences in problem classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

There will be a written exam to assess the theory and problem component. The practical component will have continuous assessment (during classes and a final test) and a 15% weight in final grade (3 points).

Examinations or Special Assignments

The practical (computational) component will be evaluated by a test.

Classification improvement

Atempts to improve the classification can be made in the final examination, keeping the mark obtained in the computational component.