PVB206 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PVB206 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (MXB105 or PVB200 OR MZB125 OR MXB161) and (MXB106 or PVB202 or MZB127) and (PVB105 or PVB102 or PVB101 or EGB113 or EGB102) |
| Equivalent(s): | PVB301 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $5,664 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB206 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (MXB105 or PVB200 OR MZB125 OR MXB161) and (MXB106 or PVB202 or MZB127) and (PVB105 or PVB102 or PVB101 or PVB103 or EGB113 or EGB102) |
| Equivalent: | PVB301 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | First year physics (mechanics, charge and electric fields, atoms and molecules), exponentials and logarithms, complex numbers, limits, series expansions, derivatives and integrals, partial derivatives and multi-dimensional integrals |
| Coordinator: | Nunzio Motta | n.motta@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Thermodynamics is an important aspect of science, which provides an explanation to many everyday life phenomena, from the boiling of the water to the transformation of heat into work and vice-versa, up to the reasons behind the global warming and the melting of polar ice.
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the physical principles of Thermodynamics, describing the behaviour of fluids at different temperatures and pressures on a mathematical basis, by studying the dynamics and statistical distribution of atoms and molecules at microscopic level. The analysis of engines, refrigerators, heat pumps and air conditioners, will lead to the principles of sustainability, including analysis of entropy and energy balance on our planet.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the physics principles governing the heat-work transformations and explain sustainable energy usage over time including First Nations Australians approaches.
- Demonstrate the relationship between the dynamics of microscopic particles and the behaviour of fluids in the macroscopic world through problem solving.
- Develop algorithms and use appropriate software in a creative way to prove, describe and visualize microscopic-macroscopic connections in thermodynamics and complex physical processes.
- Collaborate with others in developing experiments or computer simulations to test thermodynamic principles and present them to an audience.
- Present scientific results relevant to professional practice by producing written scientific reports and presentations.
Content
- Heat and Temperature. First Nation usage of heat and fire
- Equipartition principle, heat capacity and quantisation of energy
- First law of thermodynamics: Conservation of energy, Heat and work:
- Thermodynamic laws - enthalpy and entropy
- Thermodynamic cycles - heat to mechanical energy
- Phase diagrams and phase transformation
- Statistical mechanics: Microstates and macrostates, microcanonical ensemble
- The Canonical ensemble and the partition function
- The Boltzmann distribution
- Derivation of thermodynamic quantities from the partition function
- The Grand canonical ensemble and the grand partition function
- The chemical potential and thermodynamic equilibrium.
- Practical applications of thermodynamics in the modern world
- Environment, climate change, sustainability
Learning Approaches
As a second-year unit, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning and undertake some self-directed independent learning. This unit engages you in your learning through a theory-to-practice approach.
- Lectures: in class interactive lectures will require preparatory work by watching online videos and reading material provided via the learning platform.
- Workshops: collaborative learning modules will help you to develop conceptual and applied knowledge and skills by problem-based examples in a group setting under the supervision of a tutor. This will develop your problem-solving skills in a fun and exciting environment.
- Practical: (up to 10h of physics laboratory and 12h of computational laboratory): You will work in groups to complete laboratory experiments and computer simulations to analyse, simulate and visualise a thermodynamic phenomenon.
You will be required to additional work in solving sets of problems, working with reference texts and other resource materials provided at the lectures and online. You will be required to undertake private study to supplement and support the integrated lectures and the collaborative learning program. The average weekly engagement required to successfully complete this unit is about 6 hours on campus and 6 hours of personal study. However, it is assumed that you will adjust your hours according to accommodate your progression throughout the semester.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. Immediate oral and written feedback on learning progress will be given at the collaborative learning sessions. You will receive individual oral and written feedback on your group tasks according to the assessment criteria. Problem solving tasks will receive timely oral and written feedback throughout the period of study. Written solutions will be provided for the set problem solving tasks and for the mid-semester exam.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed progressively across the semester to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and improvement. Immediate oral and written feedback on learning progress will be given at the collaborative learning sessions. You will receive individual oral and written feedback on your group tasks according to the assessment criteria. Problem solving tasks will receive timely oral and written feedback throughout the period of study. Written solutions will be provided for the set problem solving tasks and for the mid-semester exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem-solving task
A portfolio of problem solving tasks, including:
- Homework problems on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics by using the Learning Platform (10%)
- School based, supervised "open book" in class individual test on problems and examples on thermodynamics by using the Learning Platform accessed via your own device (20%)
Assessment: Presentation
Presentation of the results of a group project on analysis, simulation and visualisation of a specific physical phenomenon related to thermodynamics.
Both the task performed and the presentation are similar to what is expected by a professional in any industrial or scientific workplace.
Assessment: Final Examination
A set of problems and short and long answer questions about thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
No out of ordinary expenses associated with this unit
Resources
All learning materials relating to this unit will be available in your unit Canvas site. This unit makes use of recommended textbooks, which are available online via the library.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
An introduction to thermal physics
Schroeder, Daniel V.
Oxford scholarship online, 2021
Solid state physics : an introduction
Hofmann, Philip
2015 ; Second edition.
Concepts in thermal physics
Blundell, Stephen, Blundell, Katherine M.,
Oxford University Press, 2010 ; 2nd ed.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Practicals will be monitored by risk assessment. Students will have to take Health Safety and Environment induction before attending practicals.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Final Examination
Relates to: Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination
Relates to: Problem-solving task, Final Examination
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Presentation
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Presentation
Relates to: Presentation
Relates to: Presentation
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Presentation, Final Examination - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Problem-solving task, Presentation - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Presentation
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Problem-solving task, Presentation, Final Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Presentation, Final Examination - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Problem-solving task, Presentation - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Presentation