Calendar


LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 Introduction
Probability density, Cumulative probability
2 Probability examples, Averages, Poisson distribution
3 Two random variables, Conditional probability
4 Poisson distribution derived, jointly Gaussian random variables Problem set 1 due
5 Functions of a Random Variable
6 Functions of a Random Variable (more than one)
7 Summation and convolution Problem set 2 due
8 Central Limit Theorem
9 Introduction to Thermodynamics, Zeroth Law, Empirical temperature
10 Temperature scale, Work Problem set 3 due
11 Exact differentials, First Law of Thermodynamics
12 Ideal gas, Adiabatic path
13 Phase space, Equal a priori probabilities Problem set 4 due
14 Microcanonical Ensemble, Entropy
15 Second Law of Thermodynamics, Examples using entropy
16 Two level system Problem set 5 due
17 Entropy as a state function
Exam 1
18 Maxwell relations, Thermodynamic potentials
19 Equivalent statements of the Second Law, Carnot Engine
20 Refrigerator, Heat pump, Other examples
21 Canonical Ensemble, Boltzmann probability, Partition function Problem set 6 due
22 Monoatomic ideal gas calculation
23 Two level system
24 Equipartition, Polyatomic gas, Vibration & quantum harmonic oscillator Problem set 7 due
25 Finish harmonic oscillator, Molecular rotations
26 Finish rotations, Maxwell distribution
27 Paramagnetism Problem set 8 due
28 Adiabatic demagnetism, 3rd Law of Thermodynamics, Thermal radiation
Exam 2
29 Blackbody thermodynamics, Stephan-Boltzmann Law, Counting Modes
30 Classical and quantum blackbody u (ω,T)
31 Chemical potential Problem set 9 due
32 Indistinguishable particles, Symmetric vs. antisymmetric
33 Occupation number, Fermi gas
34 Fermi gas II Problem set 10 due
35 Neutron star
36 Bose-Einstein Condensation
37 Finish Bose-Einstein Condensation, Summary Problem set 11 due
Final Exam