Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
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PHYS4550 Advanced statistical mechanics (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Physics Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Dr Y J Tu, Physics < yanjuntu@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr Y J Tu,Physics)
Course Objectives Build on the advanced undergraduate level course PHYS3550, this course further discusses concepts and mathematical techniques in statistical mechanics through special topics and applications.  It serves as an elective course to better prepare students for their postgraduate studies in physics or other related disciplines.
Course Contents & Topics Topics include: Statistical ensembles for isolated and open systems.  Equilibrium fluctuations. Order and disorder phase transition. Mean field and Landau theory. Classical ideal gas, quantum ideal gas. Quantum fluid.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe and explain the fundamental physical principles
CLO 2 apply these principles, together with logical and mathematical reasoning, to situations of the physical world
CLO 3 analyses and solve problems with the aids of mathematics
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in PHYS3550
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 N        Examination
Offer in 2026 - 2027 N
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 80.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 20.0 1,2,3
Examination 3-hour written exam 50.0 1,2,3
Test 30.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lecture notes provided by Course Coordinator
R. K. Pathria and Paul D. Beale: Statistical Mechanics, 3rd edition (Academic Press, 2011)
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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