Students
PHYS8902 – Statistical Physics
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
James Downes
Gavin Brennen
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipResFSE or GradCertResFSE
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces thermodynamics and statistical physics. The first half covers state functions and macroscopic variables like temperature, pressure, and volume, introducing the equation of state. Entropy is defined using an information-theoretic argument, applied to counting microstates. The zeroth to third laws of thermodynamics and T dS relations are introduced. The role of potentials in thermodynamic predictions is explored, along with reversible and irreversible engines, refrigeration cycles, the ideal gas law, and first-order corrections for the Van der Waals gas. In the second half, thermodynamic equilibrium is introduced as a postulate of statistical mechanics, with the partition function derived from maximum entropy. The Gibbs paradox and macro, micro, and grand canonical ensembles are explained using examples of ideal and Van der Waals gases. A brief introduction to quantum statistical mechanics covers Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions. The unit also explores interacting statistical systems, such as ferromagnetism, and introduces order parameters and phase transitions. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; Climate Action |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: interpret and apply the 0th-3rd laws of thermodynamics, some principal ideas from kinetic theory and the postulates of statistical mechanics
- ULO2: explain the relationship between the different levels of description of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and construct models for selected physical systems using these descriptions.
- ULO3: apply mathematical approaches to solve ideal and practical problems in kinetic theory, thermal and statistical physics.
- ULO4: use the properties and mathematical descriptions of key systems including ideal gases, quantum gases, Bose and Fermi statistics and apply the concepts to physical systems.
- ULO5: present physical arguments in thermostatistics through explanation of tutorial and assignment questions at the whiteboard.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit
To pass this unit you must achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%. There are no hurdles.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Skills | 20% | No | Aggregate over all weeks | Individual | No | Observed |
| Problem-based assignment | 30% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
| Final examination | 50% | No | As published in the MQ exam timetable | Individual | No | Observed |
Practical Skills
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 22 hours
Due: Aggregate over all weeks
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will demonstrate your learning by engaging in practice based skills and conversation that encourages approaches to problem solving. The problems will be assigned in advance, which you will later present the solution in class.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- present physical arguments in thermostatistics through explanation of tutorial and assignment questions at the whiteboard.
Problem-based assignment
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
You will complete a set of problems based on lecture content. Whiteboard presentation of solution of selected problems.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- interpret and apply the 0th-3rd laws of thermodynamics, some principal ideas from kinetic theory and the postulates of statistical mechanics
- explain the relationship between the different levels of description of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and construct models for selected physical systems using these descriptions.
- apply mathematical approaches to solve ideal and practical problems in kinetic theory, thermal and statistical physics.
- use the properties and mathematical descriptions of key systems including ideal gases, quantum gases, Bose and Fermi statistics and apply the concepts to physical systems.
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 21 hours
Due: As published in the MQ exam timetable
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will complete a final examination covering content from the whole unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- interpret and apply the 0th-3rd laws of thermodynamics, some principal ideas from kinetic theory and the postulates of statistical mechanics
- explain the relationship between the different levels of description of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and construct models for selected physical systems using these descriptions.
- apply mathematical approaches to solve ideal and practical problems in kinetic theory, thermal and statistical physics.
- use the properties and mathematical descriptions of key systems including ideal gases, quantum gases, Bose and Fermi statistics and apply the concepts to physical systems.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
There are two 2-hour workshops each week. Three hours each week will be allocated for lectures, and these will allow plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. Lecture notes will be available on ilearn and the recommended texts are also available from the library.
We will designate one hour each week for SGTA activity and we will post questions each week to be presented during the SGTAs by students to the class on a whiteboard or similar. The Practical Skills mark is allocated for these presentations and class discussions.
In addition to Practical Skills mark, a more formal and individual assessment of your performance at submitting and then presenting selected assignemnt questions will be made during the last weeks of the session. More deatil on this Problem-based assignment assessment will be discussed in class.
Lectures and SGTAs begin in Week 1.
We will communicate with you via your student email and through the announcements or discussion forum on ilearn.
Late Submission Policy
- 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.
- Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
- Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
- After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0
- Extensions:
- Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
- Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.
Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook