Mar 17, 2026  
University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027 
    
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University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027

PHYS 530 - Statistical Mechanics

Course Career Graduate
Units 3
Approved Hours 3-0-0
Fee index 6
Faculty Science
Department Physics
Typically Offered either term

Description
Fundamentals of classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Density matrix methods. Micro-canonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensemble. Formulation of quantum statistics; theory of simple gases; Maxwell-Boltzmann, ideal Bose, and ideal Fermi systems. Treatment of interacting systems. Phase transitions and fluctuations. Knowledge of statistical mechanics at the level of PHYS 311 or equivalent is required.