NFYK24002U Physics of Nonequilibrium Systems
MSc Programme in Physics
Most phenomena in nature take place under non-equilibrium conditions which, for instance, can be associated to temperature, electrical field, or concentration gradients. They are driven by thermodynamic forces and fluxes, and they dissipate energy and produce entropy. Many processes in biology can serve as examples, but also open systems that deal with climate and tipping points. Further examples are thermal osmosis, the thermoelectric effect, and oscillating chemical reactions. Nonequilibrium theory also determines relaxation behavior and fluctuation lifetimes, i.e., the timescales of physical processes. Even reversible oscillatory processes like an oscillating spring or belong to systems that can be described by nonequilibrium theory.
This course introduces into the thermodynamics of irreversible processes and into the application of these concepts to elementary biological reactions and to systems of general physical importance. We derive Onsager's phenomenological equations and the reciprocal relations. We derive important fluctuation theorems, e.g., the Jarzynski equality. As an important example, this course also introduces into the physics of nerve pulses. We contrast classical dissipative theory of nerves with an adiabatic hydrodynamic treatment of nerves leading to the possibility of solitons in membranes. Both are examples for nonequilibrium processes.
Knowledge:
Thermodynamic forces and fluxes as well as theory of fluctuations
and theory of nerves.
Skills:
Understanding of thermodynamics from the point of view of an
entropy potential, and the important examples in the theory of
nerves pulse transmission.
Competences:
After this course students should be able to:
- Derive the Hodgkin-Huxley model
- Describe the hydrodynamics of the nerve pulse
- Handle the entropy as a potential
- Derive cycle kinetics and its application to ion pumps
- Work with thermodynamic forces and fluxes
- Work with Onsager's equations, and understand the concept of microscopic reversibility
See Absalon for final course material. The following is an example of expected course litterature.
There will be handouts that are sufficient to understand the course.
Recommended is the reading of: "Modern Thermodynamics: From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures (Paperback) by D. Kondepudi and I. Prigogine".
thermodynamics.
Previous knowledge in thermodynamics is
of advantage.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 146,5
- Theory exercises
- 14
- Guidance
- 3
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
Students have to give oral presentations about historical papers during the course, which are discussed with the class.
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minutes (no preparation time)
- Type of assessment details
- The course will be split in 6 major topics. The candidate gives
a free 15 minute presentation of one of these subjects. The topic
is chosen by rolling a die.
During the remaining 15 minutes of the exam questions about the other five topics will be asked by the course leader or the censor. - Exam registration requirements
During the exercises student will present short oral contributions about historical papers. The oral presentation is mandatory.
- Aid
- Only certain aids allowed
Lecture notes are not allowed during the exam. One card with key words is allowed for each topic (six in total).
The cards shall help the student to recall the prepared structure of the presentations, but shall not contain detailed derivations.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
Same as ordinary exam.
If the exam prerequisite has not been fulfilled, the student must contact the course responsible well in advance in order to arrange to give a presentation no later than 2 weeks before the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK24002U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Thomas Rainer Heimburg (theimbu@nbi.ku.dk)