Lecture Content:

• Foundations of Statistical Mechanics (Liouville equation, equilibrium averages, time correlation functions, fluctuations)
• Causality and response theory (fluctuation-dissipation theorem, Onsager reciprocal relations, Kramers-Kronig relations)
• Stochastic processes (Langevin equation, reaction-rate theory, spectroscopy)
• Fokker-Planck equation, Master equation, Markov models, kinetic equations
• Dynamic path integrals
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics (entropy production, stability)
• hydrodynamic and elasticity theory
• theory of liquids, dielectric theory
• kinetic theory, phase transitions (Landau theory, Gaussian fluctuations, correlation functions, renormalization theory)

The lecture is suggested for students who have attended a course on Thermodynamics and Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. A script is available under "Resources“.

Tutorials:

Please join one of the tutorials via Section Info.

Problem Sets

You will find the problem sets in the section "Assignments". The problem sets will be uploaded on Fridays and shall be handed in via white board 10 days later by Monday 8:00 AM, after which they will be discussed in the tutorials in the following week. Maximally two students can hand in one solution. The first problem set will handed out on Friday October 21 and will be discussed in the week of October 31.

Exam

A written exam with a duration of 90 minutes will take place most likely during the first two weeks after the term has ended. For the successful completion of the module you need to reach 50 % of the points in the problem sets and you need to pass the exam.

Literature

Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, de Groot and Mazur
The Fokker-Planck Equation, Risken
Stochastic processes in physics and chemistry, N. G. van Kampen
Lecture Script