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FYS2160 - Thermodynamics and statistical physics

Facts about this course:
Credits:10
Teaching semester:Every autumn semester
Examination semester:Every autumn semester
Language of instruction:Norwegian
Administrated by:Department of Physics
Detailed course information - Current and previous semesters:

Course content

Thermodynamics and its statistical interpretation. The first and second law of thermodynamics. Ideal gas, systems of paramagnets and solid lattices as simple model systems. Basic principles of heat engines and refrigerators. General thermodynamic relations and chemical potential. Phase transitions of pure substances, the law of mass action applied to simple chemical reactions and ionisation. Boltzmann statistics and quantum statistics. Fermi- and Bose gases, including Bose-Einstein condensation.

Learning outcomes

To explain a variety of physical phenomena and processes observed in nature we have to invoke physical laws on the microscopic (atomic) level. Guided by a basic knowledge of statistical physics the students are expected to fully understand and make proper analyses of physical problems related to temperature and energy.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

One of these:

  • Mathematics R1
  • Mathematics (S1+S2)

And and in addition one of these:

  • Mathematics (R1+R2)
  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies. Read more about special admission requirements.

Recommended prior knowledge

MAT1100 - Calculus, MAT1110 - Calculus and linear algebra, MAT1120 - Linear algebra, FYS-MEK1110 - Mechanics, FYS1120 - Electromagnetism and FYS2140 - Quantum physics.

Overlap

10 credits overlap against FYS114.

Teaching

The course is given in the fall term and contains 4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of problem solving. There will also be compulsory problems for evaluation during the course.

Exam information

Written home assignment in the middle of October with approx. 30% weight. Final written 4-hour exam (beginning of December) with approx. 70% weight.

Exam resources

Allowed aids: Øgrim og Lian "Fysiske størrelser og enheter". Rottman: "Matematisk formelsamling". Approved calculator. Two A4 sheets with notes.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

This subject offers new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation of this course

Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of this course, a so called "periodic evaluation".

Contact us

Department of Physics

Visiting address: 
Physics building, Sem Sælandsvei 24

Visiting hours: 
Monday-friday 08:00-15:45

Postal address: 
P.O. Box. 1048, Blindern
NO-0316 OSLO

Phone: +47 22 85 64 23
Fax: +47 22 85 64 22
E-mail: 
Web: http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/