Course description
At their most basic level, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are
the sciences of equilibrium. Thermodynamics takes a
macroscopic, bulk point of view, whereas statistical mechanics
establishes the principles of equilibrium at the microscopic, molecular
level. This course will integrate both perspectives to
discuss the general features and properties of equilibrium, the
relationships and constraints among thermodynamic variables, and simple
models of gases, liquids, and solids. A strong emphasis will
be placed on understanding the relationship between macroscopic, bulk
behavior and molecular interactions. |
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Course information
| instructor |
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M. Scott Shell
shell (at) engineering.ucsb.edu
Engineering II 3321
office hours: Monday 12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday 1:30-2:30pm
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| TA |
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Brandon Knott
bknott (at) engineering.ucsb.edu
office hours: Wednesday 9:30-10:30am, Thursday 2-3pm
office hours location: Engineering II 3321
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| schedule |
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MWF
2:00 - 2:50pm lecture, 3301 Engineering II
Tu 12:30 - 1:20pm discussion, 3301 Engineering II
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| textbook |
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online course notes
also recommended:
Molecular Driving Forces:
Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology
Ken Dill and Sarina Bromberg, Garland Science, 2003
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| grading |
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25%
problem sets, 30% midterm, 45% final exam
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| details |
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download
here
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Course syllabus and
schedule
Download
here.
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