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PHY 418: Statistical Mechanics I
Prof. S. Teitel: stte@pas.rochester.edu ---- Spring 2021

Overview

Course Overview and Introduction

Welcome to Statistical Mechanics I.

Please note that this will be an entirely online course, and so it is essential that you have access to a computer and internet connection so that you can access the material on this website. You will also need to be able to scan or make a digital photo of your work so that you can submit your homework and exam solutions.

This course will cover the basics of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. You should already be familiar with most of the concepts we will discuss in this course from your undergraduate studies. If you have not already taken an upper level undergraduate course in statistical mechanics at the level of the text Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics by Reif, or similar, you should contact me. The course will move at a quick pace.

For the historically minded, you may go here for a A brief history of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics.

Welcome Video
Please view this video from Prof. Teitel for an introduction to the course and the course website. You must be logged on to the University's Blackboard system using your UR NetID to watch the video.

Ask a Question
Use this Question Discussion Board to post a general question about the class, rather than a question about specific subject material. By asking your question here, your classmates can benefit from the answers as well. Be sure to check here to see if the question you want to ask has already been asked and answered. Questions about the subject material can be found on the class' other Discussion Boards for specific unit topics.

The class website is structured as outlined below. Note, to access several features of the class website, such as viewing lecture videos, emailing classmates, posting to discussion boards, uploading homework, and viewing your grades, you must first login to the University's Blackboard system using your UR NetID.

Use the Home page to see announcements for the class.

Use the Instructors page to see contact information for the class instructors and office hours.

Use the Course Information page for general information and policies concerning the class

Use the Communications page for information about the various means we will use to communicate with one another.

Use the Unit Topics page to see the Syllalbus for the course, listing the Unit Topics to be covered. It also gives the links to the Unit pages containing the course notes, video lectures, and unit assignments and due dates.

Use the Calendar page for a calendar for the class noting significant dates.

Use the Notes page for links to class notes.

Use the Videos page for links to pre-recorded video lectures.

Use the Problem Sets page for links to Problem Sets and Solutions.

Use the Zoom link to see the links for the class' Zoom Meetings.

Use the Email link to send email to your classmates or the instructors.

Use the Discussion Boards link to access the class' Discussion Boards.

Use the Slack link to launch the class Slack channel. Pose a general question about the course to the "general" channel. Pose a question about specific material to the appropriate unit channel.