Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Year 1 Physics or equivalent including solid state physics and thermodynamics
PHYS2355
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers fundamental physical theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topics of Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter.
The module covers the theories and concepts of statistical mechanics including using the density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators, deriving the free-electron density of states, performing straight-forward calculations based on the free-electron theory, explaining how a periodic potential modifies the free-electron dispersion relation; solving problems on the transport properties of semiconductors, and calculating the magnetic properties (consistent with the syllabus) of paramagnets and ferromagnets.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:
1. Microstates, macrostates, canonical ensembles and density of states
2. Boltzmann statistics
3. Partition functions
4. Quantum statistical physics
5. Bose-Einstein statistics and photons
6. Fermi-Dirac statistics and Bose-Einstein condensation
7. The Fermi level concept and density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators;
8. Properties of solids using free-electron theory;
9. The effect of periodic potential on the free-electron dispersion relation;
10. Transport properties of semiconductors;
11. Magnetic properties of paramagnets and ferromagnets.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to do the following:
a. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines
b. Problem solving
c. Application of appropriate mathematics
1. Macrostates and Microstates
2. Boltzmann statistics for distinguishable particles
3. Partition functions
4. Two-level paramagnet
5. Statistics of indistinguishable particles
6. Fermi-Dirac statistics
7. Bose-Einstein statistics
8. Bose-Einstein condensation
9. the Fermi level concept and density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators;
10. the properties of solids using free-electron theory;
11. the effect of periodic potential on the free-electron dispersion relation;
12. Transport properties of semiconductors;
13. Magnetic properties of paramagnets and ferromagnets.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 55 | 1 | 55 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24 | ||
| Private study hours | 121 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team