Statistical Mechanics

Photo of famous physicists in Copenhagen in 1932.

Many of the scientists who lend their names to concepts learned in statistical mechanics can be seen in the photograph above, taken in Copenhagen in 1932. (Image courtesy of the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

5.72

As Taught In

Spring 2008

Level

Graduate

Cite This Course

Course Features

Course Description

This course discusses the principles and methods of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include classical and quantum statistics, grand ensembles, fluctuations, molecular distribution functions, other concepts in equilibrium statistical mechanics, and topics in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of irreversible processes.