PHYS 457Advanced Statistical Mechanics

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Science
Subject: Physics

When it runs

Ran in 0 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Statistical methods for many-particle systems. Statistical ensembles, mixed states, density matrices, and entropy; quantum gases including Bose–Einstein and Fermi–Dirac statistics; the partition function and thermodynamic potentials; interacting systems; phase transitions; critical phenomena, other topics as time permits.

Prerequisites

Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
  - PHYS357 - Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - AMATH373 - Quantum Theory 1 (0.50)
  - CHEM356 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - PHYS233 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (0.50)
  - PHYS234 - Quantum Physics 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - CS114 - Principles of Computing for Science (0.50)
  - CS116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2 (0.50)
  - CS136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (0.50)
  - CS146 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Antirequisites

Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- PHYS359 - Statistical Mechanics (0.50)

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
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Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
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Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar

2026–27 (shown here)
2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar