20.011J | Spring 2004 | Undergraduate

Statistical Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems (BE.011J)

Calendar

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