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)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.09 / 5

Based on 32 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Fazel Tafti
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2024 · Official rating 4.56/5
  • Alexander Auner
    Fall 2023 · Official rating 4.00/5
  • David Broido
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.33/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Fazel Tafti · Higgins Hall 275 TuTh 10:30AM-11:45AM;Higgins Hall 275 W 03:00PM-03:50PM · Offered