This course covers the concepts in thermodynamics and statistical physics relevant to studying equilibrium in materials.

Part 1 (compulsory): Dr Stefano Angioletti-Uberti
16 one-hour lectures and 4 rapid feedback sessions in Term 1

Macroscopic Approach: Thermodynamics

• Elements of (Bulk/Homogeneous) Thermodynamics
• External Constraints, Thermodynamic Potentials and Important Relations
• Free energy and phase behaviour

Microscopic Approach: Statistical Mechanics

• Introduction to statistical mechanics
• Statistical mechanics of simple systems
  
  

Part 2 (optional advanced): Prof. Mike Finnis
8 hours of classes in Term 2

• The thermodynamics of planar, line and point defects
• CALPHAD: CAlculation of PHase Diagrams