Syllabus

Physics 1341 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics Spring 2014 (10183)

Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:

Professor Joseph Boudreau

418 Allen Hall
412 624 9022
boudreau@pitt.edu

Lectures
: Allen Hall 105, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30-10:45 AM
Office Hours: Thursday 3:00-5:00.
Physics 1341 is an introduction to thermal physics, including topics in classical
thermodynamics and topics in statistical mechanics. Thermodynamics describes
macroscopic thermal properties of matter such as temperature and pressure, and their
dynamics, whereas statistical mechanics explains how these properties and dynamics
emerge from a microscopic description of matter. Often the microscopic description is
quantum mechanical, though generally only a limited familiarity with quantum
mechanics (at the level of an introductory course in modern physics) is required for this
course.
Topics in thermodynamics include: laws of thermodynamics; work, energy, entropy, and
thermodynamic potentials; heat engines and refrigerators; chemical thermodynamics and
phase transformations, among others. Topics in statistical mechanics include: model
systems, microscopic description of entropy, ensembles and partition functions; ideal
gases; quantum gases; Einstein and Debye solids; and other elements of quantum
statistical mechanics.
The textbook for the course is An Introduction to Thermal Physics, by Daniel V.
Schroeder, which is available at the bookstore. Reading assignments will be assigned
each day of class. In addition to the reading, two kinds of homework are assigned:

Homework that you will prepare ahead of class for the purpose of in-class
discussion, but not hand in.
Written homework that you hand in. Due dates will be announced in class but
generally will be at 5:00 PM on Thursday.

The grade is based on course participation and homework (20%), two in-class
examinations examinations given in class (20% each) and the final examination (40%).
The hour exams shall be held in class on Thursday, Feb 6 and Thursday, March 20. The
final examination shall be held on Tuesday, April 22 4:00-5:50 PM, in a location to be
announced.

Reserve Books: In addition to the textbook (Schroeder), students may find the treatment
of statistical mechanics Kittel & Kroemer, Thermal Physics, to be useful. It is a more
advanced treatment that concentrates more heavily on statistical mechanics. It is placed
on reserve, along with the Schroder text.
Students with disabilities: If you have a disability for which you are or may be
requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and
Disability Resources and Services, 216 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890/(412) 3837355 (TTY), as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and
determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
A comprehensive description of the services of that office can be obtained at
www.drs.pitt.edu
Academic Integrity: Cheating/plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students suspected of
violating the University of Pittsburgh Policy on Academic Integrity, from the February
1974 Senate Committee on Tenure and Academic Freedom reported to the Senate
Council, will be required to participate in the outlined procedural process as initiated by
the instructor. A minimum sanction of a zero score for the quiz or exam will be imposed.