Physics 6th Sem Syllabus
Physics 6th Sem Syllabus
(HONOURS) PHYSICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Statistical Mechanics deals with the derivation of the macroscopic parameters (internal
energy, pressure, specific heat etc.) of a physical system consisting of large number of
particles (solid, liquid or gas) from knowledge of the underlying microscopic behaviour of
atoms and molecules that comprises it. The main objective of this course is to introduce the
techniques of statistical mechanics which has applications in various fields including
astrophysics, semiconductor physics, plasma physics, biophysics etc. and in many other
directions. All the problems of different units should be done in the tutorial classes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will be able to,
● Understand the concepts of phase space, macrostate, microstate, thermodynamic
probability and partition function.
● Understand the use of thermodynamic probability and partition function for calculation of
thermodynamic properties for physical systems (ideal gas, finite level system).
● Understand the difference between classical and quantum statistics and their applicability.
● Understand the properties and laws associated with thermal radiation.
● Apply the Fermi- Dirac distribution to model problems such as electrons in solids and
white dwarf stars
● Apply the Bose-Einstein distribution to model problems such as blackbody radiation and
liquid Helium.
SYLLABUS OF DSC – 16
THEORY COMPONENT
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limitations, thermodynamic functions of a finite level system, negative temperature
Unit – II (5 Hours)
Radiation: Blackbody radiation and its spectral distribution. Kirchhoff law (No Proof),
Planck’s quantum postulates, Planck’s law of blackbody radiation, deduction of Wien’s
distribution law, Rayleigh-Jeans law, Stefan-Boltzmann law and Wien’s displacement law
from Planck’s law, ultraviolet catastrophe
Unit – IV (9 Hours)
Fermi-Dirac Statistics: Fermi-Dirac distribution law, thermodynamic functions of a
completely and strongly degenerate fermions (non-relativistic), specific heat of metals,
relativistic Fermi gas, white dwarf stars, Chandrasekhar mass limit.
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Statistical Mechanics, R. K. Pathria and P. D. Beale, Academic Press
2) Introductory Statistical Mechanics, R. Bowley and M. Sanchez, Oxford Univ. Press
3) Statistical Physics, F. Mandl, Wiley
4) A treatise on Heat, M. N. Saha and B. N. Srivastava, Indian Press
5) Problems and Solutions on Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Lim Yung-Kou,
Sarat Book House
6) An Introduction to Thermal Physics, D. Schroeder, Pearson
7) Statistical Physics, Berkeley Physics Course, F. Reif, McGraw-Hill
Additional Readings:
1) An Introduction to Statistical Physics, W. G. V. Rosser, Wiley
2) Thermal Physics, Kittel and Kroemer, CBS
3) Concepts in Thermal Physics, Blundell and Blundell, Oxford University Press
4) Statistical and Thermal Physics, Loknathan and Gambhir, PHI
5) Thermodynamics, Kinetic theory and Statistical thermodynamics, Sears and Salinger, PHI
6) Statistical Mechanics, G. Sanon, Alpha Science International Ltd.
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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE – DSC - 17:
ATOMIC, MOLECULAR AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course introduces the basic concepts of atomic, molecular and nuclear physics to an
undergraduate student. Advanced mathematics is avoided and the results of quantum
mechanics are attempts to explain, or even to predict, the experimental observations of
spectroscopy. The student learns to visualize a nucleus, an atom or molecule as a physical
entity rather than a series of mathematical equations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the module students should be able to elucidate the following
main features.
● Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin, spin magnetic moments, space quantization and
Zeeman effect, spectral notations for atomic and molecular states and corresponding term
symbols, understanding of atomic spectra and molecular spectra
● Basic principle of Raman spectroscopy and Franck Condon principle.
● The radioactive processes, stability of the nuclei and the nuclear models
● The full scientific potential lies on how we are able to interpret the fundamental
astrophysical and nuclear data. The acquired knowledge can be applied in the areas of
astrophysics, nuclear, medical, geology and other interdisciplinary fields of Physics,
Chemistry and Biology. It will enhance the special skills required for these fields
SYLLABUS OF DSC - 17
THEORY COMPONENT
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Unit - II – Molecular Physics (15 Hours)
Molecular structure: The Born-Oppenheimer approximation, Concept of bonding and anti-
bonding molecular orbitals, Concept of Potential energy curve for a diatomic molecule,
Morse potential, Classification of molecular states of diatomic molecule, The Franck-Condon
principle
Molecular spectra of diatomic molecule: Rotational Spectra (rigid and non-rigid rotor),
Vibrational Spectra (harmonic and anharmonic), Vibration-Rotation Spectrum of a diatomic
molecule, Isotope effect, Intensity of spectral lines
Raman Effect: Classical theory (with derivation) of Raman effect, pure rotational Raman
Lines, Stoke’s and Anti-Stoke’s Lines, comparison with Rayleigh scattering.
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Physics of Atoms and Molecules, B. H. Bransden and C. J. Jochain, 2nd edition, Pearson
2) Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy, C. N. Banwell and E. M. McCash, 1994, Tata
McGraw – Hill
3) Atomic physics, J. B. Rajam and foreword by Louis De Broglie, 2010, S. Chand & Co.
4) Atoms, Molecules and Photons, W. Demtroder, 2nd edition, 2010, Springer
5) Introduction to Spectroscopy, D. L. Pavia, G. M. Lampman, G. A. Kriz and J. R. Vyvyan,
5th edition, 2014, Brookes/Cole
6) Concept of Nuclear Physics, B. L. Cohen, 2003, Tata McGraw – Hill
7) Nuclear Physics, S. N. Ghoshal, 1st edition, 2019, S. Chand Publication
8) Introducing Nuclear Physics, K. S. Krane, 2008, Wiley India
Additional Readings:
1) Basic Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, J. M. Hollas, Royal Society of Chemistry
2) Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure, G. Herzberg
3) Basic Ideas and Concepts in Nuclear Physics: An Introductory Approach (Series in
Fundamental and Applied Nuclear Physics), K. Heyde (Institute of Physics Publishing 3rd
edition
4) Nuclear Physics: principles and applications, John Lilley, 2006, Wiley
5) Schaum’s Outline of Modern Physics, 1999, McGraw-Hill Education
6) Introduction to elementary particles, D. J. Griffiths, 2008, Wiley
7) Atomic and molecular Physics, R. Kumar, 2013, Campus Book Int.
8) The Fundamentals of Atomic and Molecular Physics (Undergraduate Lecture Notes in
Physics), 2013, Springer
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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE – DSC - 18:
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PHYSICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course provides an elementary introduction to the principles of Bayesian statistics and
working knowledge of some of the data analysis techniques. The objective is to equip the
students with certain techniques so that they may successfully apply these to the real world
problems, in their research areas as well as in industry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, students will be able to,
● Understand the fundamental concepts in statistical data analysis.
● Define in a Bayesian context, the likelihood, prior and posterior distributions and their
role in Bayesian inference and hypothesis testing.
● Estimate the parameters of a distribution from sample.
● Perform hypothesis testing and validate a model.
● Apply multi-linear and logistic models to real life situation.
In the practical component, students will be able to
● Learn basic data analysis techniques such as linear and non-linear fittings
● Apply hypothesis testing techniques in physics
● Perform multi-linear and logistic regression analysis for a given data
● Understand the concept of gradient descent and use it for the regression analysis
● Understand the stochastic processes, Markov chains and transition probability matrix.
SYLLABUS OF DSC - 18
THEORY COMPONENT
Unit – I (8 Hours)
Random variables, Discrete and Continuous Probability Distributions. Bivariate and
multivariate random variables, Joint Distribution Functions (with examples from Binomial,
Poisson and Normal). Mean, variance and moments of a random vector, covariance and
correlation matrix, eigendecomposition of the covariance matrix (bivariate problem).
Cumulative Distribution Function and Quantiles. Point Estimation, Interval estimation,
Central Limit Theorem (statement, consequences and limitations).
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probability distributions, examples of Bayes theorem in everyday life. Bayesian parameter
estimation. Normal, Poisson and Binomial distributions, their conjugate priors and properties.
Bayes factors and model selection.
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Schaum’s Outline Series of Probability and Statistics, M. R. Spiegel, J. J. Schiler and R.
A. Srinivasan, 2012, McGraw Hill Education
2) Schaum’s Outline Series of Theory and Problems of Probability, Random Variables, and
Random Processes, H. Hsu, 2019, McGraw Hill Education
3) Bayesian Logical Data Analysis for the Physical Sciences: A Comparative Approach with
Mathematica Support, P. Gregory, 2010, Cambridge University Press
4) Linear Regression: An Introduction to Statistical Models, P. Martin, 2021, Sage
Publications Ltd.
5) Data Analysis: A Bayesian Tutorial, D. S. Sivia and J. Skilling, 2006, Oxford University
Press
6) Data Reduction and Error analysis for the Physical Sciences, P. R. Bevington and D. K.
Robinson, 2002, McGraw-Hill Education
Additional Readings:
1) A Guide to the Use of Statistical Methods in the Physical Sciences, R. J. Barlow, 1993,
Wiley Publication
2) An Introduction to Error Analysis, J. R. Taylor, 1996, Univ. Sci. Books
3) Applied Multivariate Data Analysis, Volume I: Regression and Experimental Design, J.
D. Jobson, 2012, Springer-Verlag
4) Statistical Rethinking A Bayesian Course with Examples in R and STAN, Richard
McElreath, 2020, CRC Press
5) Introduction to Bayesian Statistics, W. Bolstad, 2007, John Wiley
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
The objective of this lab is to familiarise the students with the techniques of data analysis.
The instructors are required to discuss the concepts and the pseudo-codes of the
recommended programs in the practical sessions before their implementation. The
implementation can be in any programming language. Inbuilt libraries can be used wherever
applicable. All units are mandatory.
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Cauchy-Lorentz distribution.
2) Given a data for two independent variables (xi, yi). Write a code to compute the joint
probability in a given sample space. Verify the same for the data generated by random
number generator based on a given probability distribution of pair of independent
variables (both discrete and continuous).
2) Bayesian Inference
a) In an experiment of flipping a coin N times, M heads showed up (fraction of heads
f = M/N). Write a code to determine the posterior probability, given the following
prior for the probability of f:
i. Beta Distribution B(a, b) with given values of a and b .
ii. Gaussian Distribution with a given mean and variance.
b) Using the Likelihood of Binomial distribution, determine the value of f (fraction
of heads) that maximizes the probability of the data.
c) Plot the Likelihood (normalised), Prior and Posterior Distributions.
2) Write a code to minimize the cost function (mean squared error) in the linear regression
using gradient descent (an iterative optimization algorithm, which finds the minimum of a
differentiable function) with at least two independent variables. Determine the correlation
matrix for the regression parameters.
3) Write a code to map a random variable X that can take a wide range of values to another
variable Y with values lying in limited interval say [0, 1] using a sigmoid function
(logistic function). Considering the Log Loss as the cost function of logistic regression,
compute its minimum with gradient descent method and estimate the parameters.
2) Given that a particle may exist in one of the given energy states (Ei, i = 1, … 4) and the
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transition probability matrix T, so that Tij gives the probability for the particle to make
transition from energy state Ei to state Ej. Determine the long-term probability of a
particle to be in state in the state Ef if the particle was initially in state Ei.
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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE COURSE – DSE 9:
ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS II
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The emphasis of the course is to acquire advanced mathematical inputs while solving
problems of interest to physicists. The course aims to introduce the students to the principles
of tensor analysis and equip them to use the concept in modelling of continuous media,
electrodynamics, elasticity theory and the general theory of relativity. The mathematical
skills developed during course will prepare them not only for doing fundamental and applied
research but also for a wide variety of careers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, student will,
● Have a knowledge and understanding of tensor analysis and tensor calculus
● Be able to do computation with tensors, both in coordinates and in coordinate-free form.
● Understand the transformation properties of covariant, contravariant and mixed tensors
under general coordinate transformation.
● Be able to apply the concepts of tensors in anisotropic media with examples of moment of
inertia tensor, elasticity tensor and polarizability tensor.
● Understand physical examples of tensors such as Moment of Inertia and Elasticity of
asymmetrical physical systems.
● Be able to write down the Lorentz Transformation in four vector notation.
● Understand inner product and outer product of general tensors.
● Understand the concept of covariant derivatives.
SYLLABUS OF DSE - 9
THEORY COMPONENT
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Unit - II (12 hours)
Applications of Cartesian Tensors: Equation of a Line, Angle between Lines, Projection of
a Line on another Line, Condition for Two Lines to be Coplanar and Length and Foot of the
Perpendicular from a Point on a Line. Rotation Tensor and its properties.
Moment of Inertia Tensor, Stress and Strain Tensors, Elasticity Tensor, Generalized Hooke’s
Law, Electric Polarizability Tensor.
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Vector Analysis and Cartesian Tensors, 3rd edition, D. E. Bourne, P. C. Kendall, 1992
2) Cartesian Tensors, H. Jeffreys, 1931, Cambridge University Press.
3) Mathematical Methods for Physicists, H. J. Weber and G. B. Arfken, 2010, Elsevier.
4) A Brief on Tensor Analysis, J. G. Simmonds, 1997, Springer.
5) Schaum’s outlines series on Vector Analysis, M. Spiegel, 2nd edition, 2017.
6) Schaum’s Outline Series on Tensor Calculus, D. Kay, Revised 1st edition, 2011.
7) An Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Relativity, D. F. Lawden, 2013, Literary
Licensing
8) Matrices and tensors in physics by A. W. Joshi, 1995, New Age International
Publications.
Additional Readings:
1) A Student’s Guide to Vectors and Tensors, D. A. Fleisch, 2011, Cambridge Univ. Press.
2) The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume II, Feynman, Leighton and Sands, 2008,
Narosa Publishing House.
3) Classical Electrodynamics, J. D. Jackson, 3rd edition, 2009, Wiley Publication.
4) A Primer in Tensor Analysis and Relativity, I. L. Shapiro, 1st edition, 2019, Springer.
5) Gravity-An introduction to Einstein’s General Relativity, J. B. Hartle, 2009, Pearson
Education.
6) A first course in general relativity, B. F. Schutz, 2004, Cambridge University Press.
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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE COURSE – DSE 10:
MICROPROCESSOR
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to outline the types and the functions of storage, learn the characteristics
of RAM and ROM and their architecture, describe the architecture of 8085 microprocessors
and develop programs for microprocessor 8085
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, students will develop ability to,
● Define storage state the types and functions of storage
● Describe the characteristics of RAM and ROM and their architecture.
● Describe memory organization, addressing, interfacing and mapping
● Describe the architectures of 8085 microprocessors
● Draw timing diagram
● Write programs using 8085
SYLLABUS OF DSE - 10
THEORY COMPONENT
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transfer and checking of parity of a binary number)
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Microprocessor Architecture Programming and applications with 8085, R. S. Gaonkar,
2002, Prentice Hall
2) Microelectronic Circuits, S. Sedra
3) Fundamentals of Microprocessor and Microcomputer, B. Ram, Dhanpat Rai Publications
4) The Intel Microprocessors - Architecture, Programming and Interfacing, B. Brey, 2003,
Pearson Education
Additional Readings:
1) Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, M. Ali Mazidi, 2006, Pearson
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
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DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE COURSE – DSE 11:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This course has been designed to explore the basic dimensions of research and to impart
quantitative and qualitative knowledge for conducting meaningful research. Starting from the
philosophy of research, through awareness about the publication ethics and misconducts, this
course covers all the methodological and conceptual issues required for a successful conduct
of research. It gives an overview of research techniques, data management and analysis, and
commonly used statistical methods in physical sciences.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After successful completion of this course, students will be trained in the following.
● Skills to review literature and frame research problem
● Comprehend the relevance of the tools for data collection and analysis
● Writing a scientific report/research proposal
● Software tools for research in physical sciences
● Research integrity and publication ethics
● Importance of intellectual property rights
● Role of funding agencies in research
SYLLABUS OF DSE - 11
THEORY COMPONENT
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and Marquardt method);
Role of simulation, calibration methods, error analysis, and background handling in
experimental design
References:
Essential Readings:
1) Management Research Methodology, K. N. Krishnaswamy, A. I. Sivakumar, M.
Mathirajan, 2006, Pearson Education, New Delhi.
2) Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques, C. R. Kothari, 2nd edition, 2008, New
Age International Publication.
3) Research Methodology, A step by step guide for beginners, R. Kumar, 6th edition, 2009,
Pearson Education
4) Data reduction and error analysis for the physical sciences, P. R. Bevington and D. K.
Robinson, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill
5) Intellectual property: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, C. J. Holland,
2007, Entrepreneur Press
Additional Readings:
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1) Research Methods, R. Ahuja, 2001, Rawat Publications, New Delhi.
2) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, J. W.
Creswell, and J. D. Creswell, 2017, Sage Publications.
3) Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks and Copyright in a Nutshell, A. R. Miller and
M. H. Davis, 2000, West Group Publishers
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
(15 Weeks with 2 hours of laboratory session per week)
Students should perform at least six practicals from the following list, such that all the units
mentioned below are covered.
Unit 1:
1) Identify a research problem, write its brief summary and make a corresponding flow chart
2) Identify a survey-based research problem in physics and create a questionnaire to collect
data to perform meaningful research.
3) Write a literature review for a research problem.
4) Create a list of research topics (at least three) and read at least one research paper in each
topic.
Unit 2:
1) Attend a research seminar and write a brief summary in 1000 words. Check the extent of
plagiarism in this summary by using on-line plagiarism detection tools
2) Read a research paper based on the use of statistics in experimental physics and
summarise its importance.
3) Collect publicly available experimental physics data. Identify the independent, dependent
and control variables. Fit at least two mathematical models that can describe the data and
compare their statistical significance.
Unit 3:
1) Review any three research papers.
a) List the major strengths and weakness of all of them.
b) For any one of these, create a referee report assuming you are a reviewer of the
paper. Also draft a response to the referee’s report assuming you are the author.
2) Review any research paper. Rewrite it as if the work has been done by you for the first
time. Use two different referencing and bibliography styles
Unit 4:
1) Take data from any publicly available experimental physics database. Use Microsoft
Office tools (such as chart/bar diagrams, equation editor etc. in Word, PowerPoint or
Excel) to present, plot and infer relevant information from the data.
2) Write a scientific synopsis of a research paper using LaTeX.
3) Create a presentation using LaTeX and Beamer on any research topic
4) Select a funding agency and any two schemes or fellowships offered by them. Make a
report (using LaTeX) describing the objectives, areas of research support and various
components of grants offered by them.
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