Statistical Thermodynamics: Molecules to Machines

About this course: Modern engineering research focuses on designing new materials and processes at the molecular level. Statistical thermodynamics provides the formalism for understanding how molecular interactions lead to the observed collective behavior at the macroscale. This course will develop a molecular-level understanding of key thermodynamic quantities like heat, work, free energy and entropy. These concepts will be applied in understanding several important engineering and biological applications.

Who is this class for: This advanced undergraduate course provides a molecular-level understanding of thermodynamics and covers the application of statistical thermodynamics to several important engineering and biological systems.

Created by:  Carnegie Mellon University

• Taught by:  Venkat Viswanathan, Assistant Professor

  Mechanical Engineering

Level Intermediate Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 3.8 stars Average User Rating 3.8See what learners said Coursework

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Carnegie Mellon University

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Theory: Classical Thermodynamics



4 videos, 2 practice quizzes expand

1. Video: Module 1.1: Classical Mechanics
2. Video: Module 1.2: Quantum Mechanics
3. Video: Module 2.1: Classical Thermodynamics
4. Video: Module 2.2: Phase Equilibrium
5. Practice Quiz: Entry Survey
6. Practice Quiz: Hands-on demo kit

Graded: Assignment 1

WEEK 2


Theory: Introduction to Statistics and Statistical Thermodynamics



2 videos expand

1. Video: Module 3.1: Statistics
2. Video: Module 3.2: Statistical Thermodynamics
3. LTI Item: LTI Random Walker Activity

Graded: Assignment 2

WEEK 3


Theory: Non-interacting systems



5 videos expand

1. Video: Module 4.1: Non-Interacting Systems: Two-level System
2. Video: Module 4.2: Non-Interacting Systems: Ideal Gas
3. Video: Module 4.3: Non-Interacting Systems: Electrons
4. Video: Module 4.4: Non-Interacting Systems: Phonons
5. Video: Module 4.5: Non-Interacting Systems: Photons

Graded: Assignment 3

WEEK 4


Theory: Interacting systems



3 videos expand

1. Video: Module 5.1: Ising Model: Introduction
2. Video: Module 5.2: Ising Model: Mean-field Approximation
3. Video: Module 5.3: Ising Model: Fluctuations

Graded: Assignment 4

WEEK 5


Applications: Water, Polymer and Photosynthesis



3 videos expand

1. Video: Module 6.1: Water: Two-phase model
2. Video: Module 6.2: Water: Unique properties
3. Video: Module 7.1: Polymers

Graded: Assignment 5

WEEK 6


Applications: Photosynthesis, Liquids



3 videos expand

1. Video: Module 8.1: Photosynthesis
2. Video: Module 9.1: Classical Liquids
3. Video: Module 9.2: Classical Liquids: Measurement

Graded: Assignment 6

WEEK 7


Application: Adsorption, Electrolytes



4 videos expand

1. Video: Module 10.1: Adsorption: Non-interacting adsorbates
2. Video: Module 10.2: Adsorption: Interacting adsorbates
3. Video: Module 11.1: Electrolytes
4. Video: Office Hours

WEEK 8


Thank You



1 video expand

1. Video: Thank You