Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics and Statistical physics is an introductory one-semester course in statistical thermodynamics for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in physics and engineering. The course offers a high level of detail in derivations of all equations and results. This information is necessary for students to grasp difficult concepts in physics that are needed to move on to higher level courses. The text is elementary, self contained, and mathematically well-founded, containing a number of problems with detailed solutions to help students to grasp the more difficult theoretical concepts.

Content:

1. Basics of probability theory

1.1. Random events and probabilities

1.2. Random variables and their characteristics

2. Classical statistics equilibrium states

2.1. Maxwell distribution

2.2. Boltzmann distribution

2.3. Gibbs canonical distribution

2.4. Feedback statistics with thermodynamics

3. Quantum statistics of the equilibrium states

3.1. Some details of quantum mechanics

3.2. Grand canonical distribution

3.3. Bose-Einstein statistics

3.4. Fermi-Dirac statistics

4. Nonequilibrium states

4.1. Boltzmann equation

4.2. Diffusion approximation ( Lorentz approximation)

4.3. The collisions

4.4. Fluctuations

back to International MSc program "Advanced Dynamics of Discrete and Continuum Systems"