Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
PHYSICS 181
Subject & Catalog Number
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Course Information
Description
This course provides an introduction to statistical mechanics and thermal physics. It surveys the fundamental elements of classical and quantum statistical mechanics (ensembles and partition functions) and thermodynamics (temperature, heat, work, free energy) and their application to a variety of physical systems. Topics covered may include heat engines, solid-state physics, blackbody radiation, phase transitions, physical chemistry, stellar physics, quantum information, Bose-Einstein condensation, and transport phenomena.
Course Notes
May not be taken for credit in addition to Engineering Sciences 181.
Recommended Prep
Physics 143a or equivalent.
School
Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Credits
4
Cross Reg
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
Department
Physics
Course Component
Lecture
General Education
N/A
Quantitative Reasoning with Data
N/A
Divisional Distribution
Science & Engineering & Applied Science
Course Level
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
