Thermal and Statistical Physics

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) Statistical mechanics provides the microscopic description of the thermodynamic behaviour of matter. Students learn the standard methodology of statistical mechanics which strives to derive all of the classical results of thermodynamics through quantum statistical analysis. Topics include the microcanonical ensemble, the canonical ensemble, Boltzmann's Distribution, as well as the quantum mechanical description of heat and work. Other more advanced topics in statistical mechanics are discussed depending on time. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and PHYS-3401. Requisite Courses: PHYS-2105, PHYS-2106, and PHYS-2302 [prerequisite(s)].