Introduction to Statistical Mechanics (416-0-1)

Instructors

Anupam Garg
847/491-3229
Technological Institute (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-327), Evanston

Meeting Info

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

Overview of class

Statistical mechanics seeks to explain the link between emergent macroscopic phenomena seen in bulk matter such as gases, solids and liquids, magnets, polymers, etc., and the microscopic laws governing their constituent atoms and molecules. This course will cover the basic concepts underlying equilibrium Boltzmann-Gibbs statistical mechanics, including the microscopic definition of entropy, and the connection to thermodynamics. Applications to ideal classical and quantum gases, nonideal gases, paramagnets and ferromagnets will be discussed. Other systems will be covered as time permits.

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)

To be determined