640-324 Microphysics (Advanced)

Note

Credit cannot be gained for 640-324 and either of the subjects called 640-321 and 640-322 in the pre-1998 Handbooks.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Physics 640-321 and 640-322

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject builds on the foundations laid in 640-321 Quantum Mechanics (Advanced) and 640-322 Thermal Physics (Advanced). Applications of quantum mechanics are developed using time-independent perturbation theory and other approximation techniques. An introduction to quantum scattering theory is provided. The quantum mechanics of identical particle systems is introduced; symmetrisation, antisymmetrisation and the Pauli Principle are discussed. Thermal Physics is further developed. Aspects of the following topics will be considered: further applications of equilibrium statistical mechanics; an introduction to kinetic theory, the Boltzmann equation, transport and fluctuation phenomena.

Assessment

A 2.5-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.