The calendar below provides information on the course’s lecture (L) and exam (E) sessions.
| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| L1 |
Introduction
Purpose of Stat Mech Probability |
Problem set #1 out |
| L2 | Probability (cont.) | |
| L3 | Equilibrium States | |
| L4 |
Equilibrium States Lattice Model for Diffusion Rubber Elasticity |
Problem set #1 due
Problem set #2 out |
| L5 | Introduction to Conservation Laws (1st Law, Quantization, 2nd Law) | |
| L6 |
Boltzmann’s Law and Entropy as an Extensive Property
Law of Increased Entropy |
|
| L7 |
More Boltzmann’s Law
Partition Functions |
Problem set #2 due |
| L8 |
Simulations
PCR |
|
| E1 | Quiz I | Problem set #3 out |
| L9 |
Thermodynamic Systems Intensive/Extensive Properties Fundamental Equations for Energy and Entropy Definitions of Thermodynamic Driving Forces (Part 1) Thermodynamic Forces Homogeneous Functions Definition of Equilibrium, Temperature, Pressure |
|
| L10 |
Introduction to Chemical Potential Thermo Cycles First Law Relations between Heat, Work, Energy |
|
| L11 | Reversible and Irreversible Processes |
Problem set #3 due
Problem set #4 out |
| L12 |
Introduction to Free Energy
Helmholtz Free energy |
|
| L13 |
Enthalpy
Gibbs Free Energy |
|
| L14 |
Fundamental Equations and their Natural Variables
Heat Capacities Equilibrium Temperature |
Problem set #4 due
Problem set #5 out |
| L15 |
Thermodynamic Cycles
Carnot Cycle and Inequality Heat Engines Path Dependence |
|
| L16 | Partial Molar Properties | |
| L17 | Partial Molar Properties II | Problem set #5 due |
| L18 |
Simulations
Monte Carlo |
|
| E2 | Quiz II | |
| L19 | Boltzmann Distribution Law | |
| L20 | Partition Functions | Problem set #6 out 5 days before L20 |
| L21 |
Prediction of Thermodynamic Properties from Partition Functions
Ensembles |
Problem set #6 due
Problem set #7 out |
| L22 | Quantum Partition Function | |
| L23 | Equipartition | |
| L24 | Equipartition (cont.) |
Problem set #7 due
Problem set #8 out |
| L25 |
Chemical Equlibria
Le Chatelier’s Principle (Ex. 8, Pressure Denaturation of Proteins) van’t Hoff |
|
| L26 | Solid-liquid-gas Equilibrium | |
| L27 |
Solutions and Mixtures
Polymers |
Problem set #8 due |
| L28 |
Solvation: Osmotic Pressure |
Problem set #9 out two days before L28 |
| L29 | Solvation: Protein/Macromolecule Adsorption at Interfaces | |
| L30 | Polymer Chain | Problem set #9 due |
| E3 | Quiz III | |
| L31 | Polymer Chain II | Problem set #10 out |
| L32 | Polymer Chain III | |
| L33 | Cooperativity | |
| L34 | Cooperativity (cont.) | Problem set #10 due |
| L35 | Protein Folding | |
| L36 | Review |
