5 Archives - Department Of Physics University of Patras https://physics.upatras.gr/en/semester/5/ School of Natural Sciences Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:39:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Thermal and Statistical Physics https://physics.upatras.gr/en/courses/thermal-and-statistical-physics/ Mon, 24 May 2021 09:09:36 +0000 https://physics.upatras.gr/courses/thermal-and-statistical-physics/ 1. Introduction to the macroscopic theory of thermodynamics. Establishment of relations between macroscopic variables of a system. 2. Definition of the probability of a microstate. Thermodynamic equilibrium. Spontaneous transition to thermodynamic equilibrium of an isolated system. Statistical definition of entropy. Law of maximum entropy of an isolated system in equilibrium. Microcanonical ensemble. 3. Thermal equilibrium. [...]

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]]> 1. Introduction to the macroscopic theory of thermodynamics. Establishment of relations between macroscopic variables of a system.
2. Definition of the probability of a microstate. Thermodynamic equilibrium. Spontaneous transition to thermodynamic equilibrium of an isolated system. Statistical definition of entropy. Law of maximum entropy of an isolated system in equilibrium. Microcanonical ensemble.
3. Thermal equilibrium. Canonical ensemble, additivity of entropy. Thermodynamic fundamental Identity. Temperature. The condition of thermal stability. The law of minimum free energy.
4. Systems of independent and distinguishable particles.
5. Classical ideal gas.
6. The theory of paramagnetic system. Magnetic cooling. Negative temperature.
7. Theory of the heat capacity of non-conducting crystals.
8. Macroscopic systems with an infinite number of states – Harmonic oscillator
9. Macroscopic systems with a finite number of states – 2 energy state system
10. Open macroscopic systems with variable number of particles. Statistics of open systems. Chemical equilibrium. Grand Canonical ensemble.
11. Statistics of independent, distinguishable, particles – Maxwell Boltzmann statistics
12. Statistics of independent, non-distinguishable, particles with half-integer spin – Fermi Dirac statistics/distribution
13. Statistics of independent, non-distinguishable, particles with integer spin – Bose Einstein statistics/distribution
14. Ideal fermion gas
15. Ideal boson gas – Bose Einstein condensation
16. Statistics of classical macroscopic systems – Microstates on phase space

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]]> Quantum Physics I https://physics.upatras.gr/en/courses/pcc303/ Mon, 24 May 2021 08:52:21 +0000 https://physics.upatras.gr/courses/quantum-physics-i/ • Matter waves. Schrödinger’s equation. • Statistical interpretation of wavefunction/quantum mechanics. • Measurable properties and operators. • Measurmenet process in quantum mechanics. • Hermiticity and probability conservation. • Dynamics of quantum systems. • Basic postulates of Quantum Mechanics. • Hermitian, adjoint and unitary operators. • Matrix representation of operators. • Time evolution of a quantum [...]

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]]> • Matter waves. Schrödinger’s equation.
• Statistical interpretation of wavefunction/quantum mechanics.
• Measurable properties and operators.
• Measurmenet process in quantum mechanics.
• Hermiticity and probability conservation.
• Dynamics of quantum systems.
• Basic postulates of Quantum Mechanics.
• Hermitian, adjoint and unitary operators.
• Matrix representation of operators.
• Time evolution of a quantum system and conservation laws.
• Ehrenfest’s theorems.
• Study of one dimensional scattering. Step potential &Rectangular potential barrier.
• Rectangular piecewise potentials.
• Infinite Square well potential.
• Square well potential.
• δ- function potential well.
• Two level system.
• Harmonic oscillator.
• 2- και 3 dimensiona quantum systems.
• Hydrogen atom.

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]]> Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics https://physics.upatras.gr/en/courses/acc309/ Mon, 24 May 2021 08:50:50 +0000 https://physics.upatras.gr/courses/an-introduction-to-environmental-physics-2/ COURSE CONTENT Historical elements of astronomy. The Greek tradition. The Copernican revolution. Introductory concepts: Basic concepts related to (i) mechanics (gravity, Newton’s laws, Kepler’s laws), (ii) the physics of light, and (iii) blackbody radiation. Radiation, flux, brightness, luminosity, magnitudes, distance scale in the Universe. Introduction to telescopes and measuring instruments. Stellar physics: Stellar photometry – [...]

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]]> COURSE CONTENT

  • Historical elements of astronomy. The Greek tradition. The Copernican revolution.

  • Introductory concepts: Basic concepts related to (i) mechanics (gravity, Newton’s laws, Kepler’s laws), (ii) the physics of light, and (iii) blackbody radiation.
    Radiation, flux, brightness, luminosity, magnitudes, distance scale in the Universe.

  • Introduction to telescopes and measuring instruments.

  • Stellar physics: Stellar photometry – stellar magnitudes – color indices. Formation and intensity of spectral lines – spectral classification – HR diagram. The Sun: a case study.

  • Binary star systems and stellar parameters. Search for exoplanets.

  • Solar System: General characteristics of processes. Interior of planets. Atmospheres. Satellites. Minor bodies of our Solar System. Formation of the Solar System.

  • Cosmology: Our Galaxy. Galaxies. (Brief introduction: active galaxies, quasars, cosmological theories—origin and evolution of the Universe).

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of Physics to understand the laws describing the structure and motion of celestial bodies (stars, planets, etc.)

  • Calculate basic parameters (temperature, size, radius, mass)

  • Apply the principles governing the operation of telescopes and extract information from them

  • Understand basic concepts of cosmology and use methods for determining distances and masses on a cosmic scale

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisite courses. Students should have at least basic knowledge of General Physics, Classical Physics, Modern Physics, and Mathematics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures with PowerPoint presentations, problem solving on the board, simulations during lectures, problem solving by students during lectures, tutorial sessions with guided problem solving.

Assessment Methods

Written examination (100% of the final grade)

Language of Instruction and Assessment

Greek

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]]> An Introduction to Environmental Physics https://physics.upatras.gr/en/courses/acc307/ Mon, 24 May 2021 08:49:36 +0000 https://physics.upatras.gr/courses/an-introduction-to-environmental-physics/ 1. Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere 2. Radiation in the Atmosphere 3. Air pollution 4. Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion 5. General Circulation in the Atmosphere

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]]> 1. Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere
2. Radiation in the Atmosphere
3. Air pollution
4. Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion
5. General Circulation in the Atmosphere

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