Introduction to Statistical Mechanics (416-0-1)

Instructors

Pulak Dutta
847/491-5465
Technological Institute (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-114, Evanston

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L150: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Statistical mechanics seeks to explain the link between the large-scale and the microscopic descriptions of physical systems having many degrees of freedom, such as gases, solids and liquids. This course will teach the basic concepts and skills underlying the description of systems in equilibrium using Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics, including the microscopic definition of entropy, and the development of microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles together with their connection to thermodynamics. Applications of statistical mechanics to ideal quantum and classical gases, nonideal gases, and magnetic spin systems including paramagnets and ferromagnets will be discussed.

Registration Requirements

Graduate standing in Physics and Astronomy or permission of the instructor. Some advanced undergraduates, and many graduate students in other science or engineering departments, will have the necessary background.

Teaching Method

Two 1.5 hour lectures per week.

Evaluation Method

Midterm examination, homework sets, and final examination.

Class Materials (Required)

Garrod, "Statistical mechanics and thermodynamics"