PHYC30017 Statistical Physics
University of Melbourne · Level 3 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 70%: exam-heavy
- About 3 class hours a week
Is PHYC30017 hard?
PHYC30017: About average. Makes it harder: Final exam 70%. No student reviews yet — based on the Handbook only.
What you learn
How the behaviour of huge numbers of particles explains the laws of thermodynamics.
After it you can
- Calculate quantities with statistical ensembles
- Explain the statistical basis of thermodynamics
- Apply statistical mechanics to gases and solids
What you need first
PHYC20012 and ((MAST20009 or MAST20032) and (MAST20026 or MAST20030 or PHYC20014 or MAST20033))
- PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
- MAST20009 Vector Calculus
- MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced
- MAST20026 Real Analysis
- MAST20030 Differential Equations
- PHYC20014 Theoretical Physics 2
- MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced
Careers
Helps toward: Meteorologist
How it’s assessed
Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%
Student reviews and ratings
No student reviews yet — be the first to rate it.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHYC30017
Quick answers
- When is PHYC30017 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHYC30017?
- Needs PHYC20012 and ((MAST20009 or MAST20032) and (MAST20026 or MAST20030 or PHYC20014 or MAST20033)).
- Does PHYC30017 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 70% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 30%, Final exam 70%.
- How many class hours a week does PHYC30017 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take PHYC30017 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- Can I rate PHYC30017?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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