PHYC 3210

Statistical Mechanics

Lec 01 selected

Using statistical entropy, we will explore how macroscopic thermodynamic behavior emerges from microscopic models. We will consider the microanonical, canonical, and the grand canonical statistical ensembles. We will examine two-state systems as well as non-interacting Fermionic and Bosonic systems. Finally, we will learn about deceptively simple interacting systems such as the Ising model.

Sections

Lecture

From the syllabus

From the Winter 2026 syllabus by Penghao Xiao. Open the PDF

Grading

10%AttendanceRandom survey; 80% attendance required for full mark
20%MidtermWeek of Feb. 23
40%AssignmentsApproximately every two weeks
30%Final examCumulative; exam period

Textbooks

  • Statistical Mechanics: A Survival Guide, J. S. Wark and A. M. Glazer
  • An Introduction to Thermal Physics, D. V. Schroeder (optional)

Course rules

Late work
Assignments lose 20% per day late; a Student Declaration of Absence form can be used twice to avoid the penalty.
Assignments
Students may collaborate, but submitted work and calculations must be their own.
Attendance
At least 80% attendance is required to receive the full attendance mark.

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