CHEM 572: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics [Spring 2026]

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CHEM 572 introduces graduate students to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, with an emphasis on connecting microscopic behavior to macroscopic observables. The course develops a rigorous framework for thermodynamic potentials, Legendre transformations, and Maxwell relations, and then builds toward the statistical description of matter through the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Students also explore phase transitions, classical fluids, and non-equilibrium formulations, while gaining exposure to computational approaches such as Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics for evaluating ensemble averages and dynamical properties.

• Thermodynamic potentials, Legendre transformations, and Maxwell relations

• Foundations of statistical mechanics, including ergodicity and ensemble theory

• Microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles

• Applications to quantum and classical non-interacting systems

• Statistical mechanics of phase transitions and classical fluids

• Introduction to non-equilibrium formulations

• Computational techniques: Monte Carlo sampling and molecular dynamics