Hobart
Students majoring in Physics must take at least one of KYA322 and KYA323.
This unit is offered in odd numbered years.
Introduction
The objective of this course is to provide a thorough grounding in statistical physics and solid state physics. Statistical physics describes the structure of bulk matter - solids, liquids, gases, plasmas - in terms of very general assumptions about the behaviour of the basic constituents. It has close ties with both kinetic theory and thermodynamics but applies also to quantum systems. You will study both classical (Maxwell-Boltzmann) and quantum (Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac) statistics, and a wide variety of their applications. Solid state, or condensed matter physics builds on these topics and includes crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, lattice vibrations, and thermal properties of solids. You will study the electric and magnetic properties of solids, and the technological applications of phenomena such as semiconductors and superconductivity.
Summary
| Unit name | Statistical Physics and Solid State Physics |
| Unit code | KYA322 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Physics |
| Coordinator | Doctor Andy McCulloch |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 20/7/2025 | 18/8/2025 | 7/9/2025 | 25/10/2025 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Solve problems in many-body and statistical physics using physical principles and theories.
- Solve problems in solid state/condensed matter physics using physical principles and theories.
- Communicate scientific information to expert and non-expert audiences by oral, written, and graphical means.
- Explain the application of statistical and solid state/condensed matter physics to a range of real-world scenarios.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010301 | $1,164.00 | $1,164.00 | not applicable | $3,127.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
Admission into a Masters course OR KYA211 Waves and Kinetic Theory AND KYA212 Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics AND (KMA252 Calculus and Applications 2 OR KME271 Engineering Mathematics)Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 3 lectures, 1 tutorial weekly, 36 lab hrs total |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Mid-semester Test (15%)|Oral Examination (15%)|Problem Set Assignments (30%)|Examination (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.