PHYS 302
Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics
Spring 2025
Division III
Q Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
Class Details
Macroscopic objects are made up of huge numbers of fundamental particles interacting in simple ways–obeying the Schrõdinger equation, Newton’s and Coulomb’s Laws–and these objects can be described by macroscopic properties like temperature, pressure, magnetization, heat capacity, conductivity, etc. In this course we will develop the tools of statistical physics, which will allow us to predict the cooperative phenomena that emerge in large ensembles of interacting particles. We will apply those tools to a wide variety of physical questions, including the behavior of gases, polymers, heat engines, biological and astrophysical systems, magnets, and electrons in solids.
The Class:
Format: lecture/laboratory; lecture/discussion three hours per week and weekly laboratory work
Limit: 14 per lab
Expected: 25
Class#: 3585
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Limit: 14 per lab
Expected: 25
Class#: 3585
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
weekly problem sets and labs, plus exams, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Prerequisites:
required: PHYS 201, PHYS/MATH 210 or MATH 309; recommended: PHYS 202, PHYS 301
Enrollment Preferences:
physics majors
Distributions:
Divison III
Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
QFR Notes:
weekly problem sets, exams, and labs, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Class Grid
Updated 11:28 am
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HEADERS
Column header 1
CLASSESColumn header 2DREQColumn header 3INSTRUCTORSColumn header 4TIMESColumn header 5CLASS#Column header 6ENROLLColumn header 7CONSENT
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PHYS 302 - 01 (S) LEC Stat Mech & Thermo
PHYS 302 - 01 (S) LEC Stat Mech & ThermoDivision III Q Quantitative/Formal ReasoningMWF 9:00 am - 9:50 am
3585OpenNone -
PHYS 302 - 02 (S) LAB Stat Mech & Thermo
PHYS 302 - 02 (S) LAB Stat Mech & ThermoDivision III Q Quantitative/Formal ReasoningW 1:10 pm - 3:50 pm
3586OpenNone -
PHYS 302 - 03 (S) LAB Stat Mech & Thermo
PHYS 302 - 03 (S) LAB Stat Mech & ThermoDivision III Q Quantitative/Formal ReasoningR 1:10 pm - 3:50 pm
3587OpenNone