PHYS 302
Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics Spring 2021
Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
This is not the current course catalog

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: 10 per lab
Expected: 10 per lab
Class#: 5425
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: weekly problem sets, exams, and labs, 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: the in crowd
Distributions: Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
QFR Notes: weekly problem sets, exams, and labs, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Attributes: BIGP Courses

Class Grid

Course Catalog Archive Search

TERM/YEAR
TEACHING MODE
SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)