Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Rsearch Institute, Belur Math, Kolkata A Refresher Course in Statistical Physics will be held at the Department of Physics, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur Math, Kolkata, from 9 to 23 December 2018 for the benefit of faculty involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This course will address the transition from a one-particle description (as in classical mechanics) to a many-particle statistical description (as in statistical mechanics). An intermediate step involves dynamical system theory, which describes the evolution of a set of initial conditions under dynamics. Often, with the increase in the number of degrees of freedom, these lead to statistically similar behaviour, allowing a description through equilibrium statistical mechanics. In addition to lectures on these topics, there will be lectures on stochastic dynamics, nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and quantum statistical mechanics.

The course is sponsored by Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi and The National Academy of Sciences, India, Allahabad. It will be directed by Prof. Mustansir Barma, TIFR Hyderabad, F.A.Sc., F.N.A.Sc., F.N.A., and coordinated by Dr Shamik Gupta, Department of Physics, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute . The topics and lecturers: Classical Mechanics: Prof. N Mukunda (IISc., Bengaluru); Dynamical Systems: Prof. Soumitro Banerjee (IISER Kolkata) and Dr Shamik Gupta (RKMVERI, Belur Math); Stochastic Dynamics: Prof. Mustansir Barma (TIFR, Hyderabad); Classical Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics: Dr. Shamik Gupta (RKMVERI, Belur Math); Quantum Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics: Dr Arnab Sen (IACS, Kolkata); Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics: Prof. P K Mohanty (SINP, Kolkata).

Since 1999, more than 260 successful Refresher Courses have been organized throughout the country. It may be noted that UGC regulations include Refresher Courses in API scores for career advancement. Applications are invited from teachers with experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering and Physics. Motivated BSc and MSc Physics students may also apply. There will be 25 outstation and 10 local participants. Selected outstation participants will be provided with travel assistance (limited to three-tier A/C train fare), while all participants will be provided accommodation and local hospitality during the Course, in addition to the course material.

Interested applicants must submit their application ONLINE by clicking on the following link:

Apply here

A copy of the application form signed by the applicant should also be sent by Post to the Course Coordinator, at the address given below. In case of teachers, the form must also be signed and stamped by the Head of the applicant’s institution stating that leave will be sanctioned if the applicant is selected for the Course. A recommendation letter from a teacher is essential for student applicants. Scanned copies of the duly signed documents sent by e-mail will also be accepted.

Address for communication :

Dr Shamik Gupta
Department of Physics
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute
Belur Math, Howrah 711202, West Bengal.
e-mail:
Phone: +91 33 2654 9999.

Last date for the receipt of applications: 15 September 2018
Selected participants will be informed by: 5 October 2018

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