Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

3 credits

This course provides a rigorous foundation connecting the microscopic behavior of particles to macroscopic observables in chemistry. Core topics include classical Hamiltonian mechanics, distribution functions, and both classical and quantum equilibrium statistical mechanics. These principles are applied to gases, materials, spectroscopy, and chemical reactivity. Advanced topics, such as path integral formalism, statistical field theory in phase transitions, and nonequilibrium systems, are introduced as time permits.