CHEM 5579 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
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.
Course overview
- Department
- Chemistry
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
- Offered
- Periodically
Catalog details
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.09 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.36 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Udayan Mohanty | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 6 of 6 |
| Fall 2024 | Udayan Mohanty | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | — | 2 of 4 |
| Fall 2023 | Udayan Mohanty | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 of 5 |