COURSE UNIT TITLE

Offered By

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences

Level of Course Unit

Second Cycle Programmes (Master's Degree)

Course Coordinator

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR GÜL GÜLPINAR

Offered to

PHYSICS
PHYSICS

Course Objective

This course gives an introduction to the common ideas and different approaches for studying systems in statistical mechanics that are not in equilibrium, i.e.- with a time dependence in the description of the system. We begin with a review of the origin of irreversibility and the second law of thermodynamics, which are at the foundations of equilibrium statistical mechanics. Then various different techniques for studying non-equilibrium situations follows, which treat the problem on different levels of detail. The main part of the course considers effective descriptions in terms of stochastic processes, closely related to simple random walk problems. We also discuss the Boltzmann equation, which provides a microscopic framework for studying transport in dilute systems, and leads up to coarse-grained hydrodynamic descriptions on longer length scales. Finally, we discuss the linear regime close to equilibrium, where it is possible to obtain the linear response of the system from its equilibrium fluctuations, via the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. A brief discussion of fluctuation theorems, e.g., the Jarzinsky identity, valid arbitrary far from equilibrium is also included.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Recomended or Required Reading

M. Le Bellac, F. Mortessagne, G. G. Batrouni, Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Statistical Thermodynamics, Cambridge University Press (2010), ISBN-13: 978-0521528955

1. S. R. De Groot, P. Mazur, Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Dover Publications; Dover ed edition (2011), ISBN-13: 978-0486647418.



2. J. P. Sethna,Statistical Mechanics: Entropy, Order Parameters and Complexity (Oxford Master Series in Physics) ,Oxford University Press, USA, ISBN-13: 978-0198566779


3. L. P. Pitaevskii, E.M. Lifshitz, Physical Kinetics: Volume 10 (Course of Theoretical Physics), Butterworth-Heinemann; Reprint edition (1981), ISBN-13: 978-0750626354.

4. R. Kubo, M. Toda, and N. Hashitsume, Statistical Physics II Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics, Springer; 2nd edition (2003), ISBN-13: 978-3540538332.
5. N. G. van Kampen, Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry (North-Holland, 1981).

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1. Lecturing
2.Question-Answer
3.Discussing
4.Homework

Assessment Methods

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Criteria:
1. The homework and mid-term exams of the student is assessed as the achievement of them in the semester.
2. At %40 score of final examination is added directly to the others.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

1. It is obligated to continue at least 70% of lessons.
2. If the student don t make the homework and attend mid-terms, he does not access the final exam

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

gul.gulpinar@deu.edu.tr

Office Hours

tba

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes