Physics 4201, Statistical and Thermal Physics Instructor: Professor Eric Ganz Office: Physics 345 Tel: (612)

624-2386 Email: ganzx001@physics.umn.edu Office Hours: TBD or by appointment. Lectures: 10:10 - 11:00 MWF Room: Physics 170 Textbook: Kittel and Kroemer, Thermal Physics, 2nd Edition Auxiliary Books (not required): Baeierlein, Thermal Physics, Blundell and Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics, 2nd Edition Schroeder, An Introduction to Thermal Physics Tests Midterms October 4th, November 6th Final Exam Thursday December 19th 13:30 16:30 Webpage http://www.physics.umn.edu/courses/2013/fall/Phys%2042 01.001/index.html This is an introductory level course in thermal and statistical physics designed primarily for senior undergraduate students. Grading: There will be weekly homework assignments, two inclass hour examinations, and a final examination of three hours length. The final grade will be derived from the homework (20%), the hour exams (20% each), and the final exam (40%). Roughly, the grades will be A [90-100%], A-[85-90%], B+[80-85%], B[75-80%], B-[70-75%], C+[65-70%], C[60-65%], C-[55-60%],

D[45-55%] and F[<45%]. However at the end of the course the grade curve will be adjusted. Suggestions: Listening in class must be complemented by reading ahead and thinking. It is important to read the text before class and identify important concepts. I will post my lecture notes on the class website. Start working on the homework early, as it might take time to work through the assignments. If you have questions, ask them, by email, or at office hours. Talk to other students. Dont get behind! Conduct: The Institute of Technology assumes that all students enroll in its programs with a serious purpose and expects them to be responsible individuals who demand of themselves high standards of honesty and personal conduct. The Institute of Technology expects the highest standards of honesty and integrity in the academic performance of its students. Any attempt by a student to present work that she or he has not prepared, or to pass an examination by improper means, is regarded by the faculty as a serious offense, which may result in the immediate expulsion of the student. Aiding and abetting a student in an act of dishonesty is also considered a serious offense. Student Mental Health and Stress Management: As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily

activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via: http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu/ Athletes: Athletes must provide their official University of Minnesota athletic letter containing the approved competition schedule to their instructor and the staff in office 148. Away exams will be arranged with the athletic adviser traveling with the team. Accommodations will be made for official university sports only (i.e. no accommodations will be made for intramurals, club sports, etc.) Disability Services: If you have accommodations for this course, please provide the staff in office 148 with a copy of your accommodation letter for the current semester. Exams will be arranged according to accommodations and sent to the testing center for administration. Other Links:
Student conduct code http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.html Scholastic Dishonesty See student conduct code Disability Accommodations http://ds.umn.edu/student-services.html Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/CLASSROOMPED.html Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/MAKEUPWORK.html

Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/CLASSNOTESSTUDENTS.html Grading and Transcripts http://policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/GRADINGTRANSCRIPTS.html Sexual Harassment http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/humanresources/SexHarassment.html Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/administrative/Equity_Diversity_EO_AA.html Mental Health and Stress Management http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu