Physics 140A : Course Description

Subject Matter and Course Text
The subject matter of Physics 140A-B is thermodynamics and statistical physics. During the Fall 2011 quarter (140A) we will cover : (i) thermodynamics, (ii) approach to equilibrium, (iii) statistical ensembles, and (iv) quantum statistics (I). During the Winter quarter (140B) we will cover : (iv) quantum statistics (II), (v) interacting systems, (vi) mean field theory, and (vii) kinetics.

I have listed two recommended course texts, one by Pathria and Beale and the other by Reif. These are both popular textbooks at this level, but neither is required. You can purchase them through amazon. I will be following my own lecture notes. I have indicated which sections in the notes I plan on covering during each week, listed related sections in the the two aforementioned textbooks. Please make an effort to read the relevant sections of the course notes ahead of class - it will make the lectures more understandable.

At the beginning of each chapter of my notes, I list some recommended texts. These should be available in the Science and Engineering Library.

Course Web Site
Lecture notes and reading assignments, important announcements, homework assignments and solutions will all be available through the course web site and through the course's Canvas page. Please check it each day to see if there is new material. The notes themselves are complete, but I may make some editorial changes or additions as we go along. On the course home page, I have included a number of links to potentially useful or interesting websites.

Problem Sets
I will try to assign one problem set per week, published both on the course web pages as well as on Canvas; problem sets will not be printed out for you. You are to turn in your work via Gradescope. Problem sets will not be printed out for you. You are encouraged to discuss the problem sets with your fellow students. I suggest that you initially try to do the problems by yourselves, so that you can more accurately identify your confusions and honestly assess your weaknesses. Then, before you write up your assignment, get together with some of your fellow students to talk over the problems and hammer out the details. Solutions to problem sets will be posted on the course website and on Canvas. Hopefully the solutions and your graded assignments will be made available in a timely manner, but there may be some lags.

TA, Office Hours, Problem Sessions
My office hours will be Thursdays from 10:30 pm to 11:50 pm in 5438 Mayer Hall. The TA for this class is TBA. We will also conduct a weekly problem session Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Peterson 103, during which the class will break up into small groups for problem solving..

Grading and exams
The magic formula: 35% problem sets, 15% midterm exam, 50% comprehensive final. The midterm is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 25 (in class).