8.08/8.S421 Statistical Physics II (Room 9-354):

Prerequites: Statistical Physics I (8.044), and Quantum Physics II (8.05).
Units: 4-0-8
Lectures and Recitations will take place: MTWTF 2:00-5:00

Grade: 4 Problem sets, 1 numerical project, 1 final exam. See below for detail.

This course is an introduction to modern non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. We will discuss how stochastic dynamics, in and out of equilibrium, can be used to describe single or many-body systems. The methods and topics covered in the course include: Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations, master equations, ratchet currents, stochastic thermodynamics, emergent behaviors. We will study systems ranging from soft-matter physics to biophysics including colloid dynamics, bacterial motion, as well as active-matter systems. Applications outside physics will also be discussed (epidemic spreading, econophysics, sociophysics). The recitations will also include discussions of simulation methods to study non-equilibrium dynamics.

Textbooks 

The following are useful reference books:

Problem Sets

The homework assignments are an important part of this course, and the final average homework score will count for 40% of the final grade. You may consult with classmates in "study groups," as long as you write out your own answers. The usage of LLM is forbidden. (See also the MIT Academic Integrity Handbook.)

There will be one homework posted every week. Problem sets are due by 11:59 pm on the due date. They will be turned in online through Canvas. No problem sets will be accepted after the solutions have been posted. Problem sets handed in after the 11:59 pm deadline but before the solutions have been posted are subject to a 50% grade penalty.

Occasionally, there are problems marked as graduate in the problem sets. These are mandatory for the graduate students and will count as bonus points for undergraduate students. Bonus points are reported on other problem sets but the total grade cannot exceed 40%.

Exams

1 in-class closed-book test on 2/2/24. 

The in-class test will count for 30% of the final grade.

Excuses are granted only for circumstances attested to by the Dean or a medical doctor. A student who has been excused may be required to take a makeup exam.

Numerical project

During the recitations, various numerical methods to simulate non-equilibrium systems will be introduced. Students will be asked to carry out the characterization of the dynamics of one non-equilibrium dynamics of their choice. Single-body physics will be acceptable for undergraduate students whereas graduate students will be required to study a many-body interacting system.

Grading

Final grades will be determined from:

• Homeworks: 40%
• In class test:  30%
• Numerical project: 30%

Your final letter grade will reflect our best attempt to evaluate objectively your performance in the course:

A: Exceptionally good performance, demonstrating a superior understanding of the subject matter, a foundation of extensive knowledge, and a skillful use of concepts and/or materials.

B: Good performance, demonstrating capacity to use the appropriate concepts, a good understanding of the subject matter, and an ability to handle the problems and materials encountered in the subject.

C: Adequate performance, demonstrating an adequate understanding of the subject matter, an ability to handle relatively simple problems, and adequate preparation for moving on to more advanced work in the field.

D: Minimally acceptable performance, demonstrating at least partial familiarity with the subject matter and some capacity to deal with relatively simple problems, but also demonstrating deficiencies serious enough to make it inadvisable to proceed further in the field without additional work.

F: Failed. This grade also signifies that the student must repeat the subject to receive credit.

--From the MIT Regulations of the Faculty

In accord with MIT Rules and Regulations of the Faculty section 2.62, the Physics Department does not grade on a curve. Students are assessed individually, and there is no pre-determined grade spread in any subject. Consistent with this, after Drop Date, students who remain in a class are not in jeopardy of seeing their grades change due to the change in class composition.

Please note the Physics Department expectations on Community Values.

Please note the availability of the following resources in case of need:

Student Support Services

If you are dealing with a personal or medical issue that is impacting your ability to attend class, complete work, or take an exam, please discuss this with *Student Support Services* (S3), or Grad Support for graduate students. Student Support Services will verify your situation, and then discuss with you how to address the missed work. Students will not be excused from coursework without verification from S3.

Disability and Access Services

MIT is committed to the principle of equal access. Students who need disability accommodations are encouraged to  contact the appropriate office,  prior to or early in the semester so that accommodation requests can be evaluated and addressed in a timely fashion. Even if you are not planning to use accommodations, it is recommended that you meet with DAS staff to familiarize yourself with the services and resources of the office. If you have already been approved for accommodations, please contact me early in the semester so that we can work together to get your accommodation logistics in place.