Title: Statistical mechanics of polymer models

The goal of the thesis is to evaluate, both analytically and numerically, the polymer radius for different microscopic models: freely jointed chain, freely rotating chain, and continuous models. Using the same models, the radius can be calculated for polymers under external forces or constraints.

Title: Currents in out-of-equilibrium diffusive systems

The goal of the thesis is to study the particle current and the entropy flowing thorough a stochastic diffusive systems such as, e.g., the asymmetric exclusion process (ASEP).
The student will achieve this goal by exploiting both analytical approaches (e.g. mean field approximations) and computer simulations.

Furthermore, this model can be extended to describe car traffic on a highway or molecular motors moving on filaments inside cells.

Title: Brownian motors

The goal of the thesis is to study the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of simple thermal machines in contact with heath baths at different temperatures and that can perform work against an external force.