PHYS 4600 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
The results of classical thermodynamics are deduced from a statistical basis, including the concepts of temperature and entropy, and the three laws of thermodynamics. Applications to ideal and real gases. Basic elements of statistical mechanics, including the canonical ensemble, partition function, equipartition theorem and Maxwell velocity distribution. Simple application of Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac Statistic.
Course overview
- Department
- Physics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 4
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Requirements fulfilled
- Applied Physics B.S.: At least two of the following Advanced Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Mathematics B.S.: Natural science, computer science, or economics corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Physics B.S.: Required Physics Courses (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.09 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.37 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| 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 | Fazel Tafti | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 6 of 6 |
| Fall 2024 | Fazel Tafti | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4–6 hrs/week | 10 of 14 |
| Fall 2023 | Alexander Auner | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7 of 8 |
| Fall 2021 | David Broido | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.2 | — | 9 of 12 |