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John W. Daily

Course 1 first explores the basics of both macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics from a postulatory point of view. In this view, the meaning of temperature, thermodynamic pressure and chemical potential are especially clear and easy to understand. In addition , the development of the Fundamental Relation and its various transformations leads to a clear path to property relations and to the concept of ensembles needed to understand the relationship between atomic and molecular structural properties and macroscopic properties. We then explore the relationship between atomic and molecular structure and macroscopic properties by taking a statistical point of view. Using a postulatory approach, the method for doing this is made clear. This leads to the development of the partition function which describes the distribution of molecular quantum states as a function of the independent, macroscopic thermodynamic properties.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Program Introduction
In this module we explore the basics of macroscopic thermodynamics from a postulatory point of view. In this view, the meaning of temperature, thermodynamic pressure and chemical potential are especially clear and easy to understand. In addition, the development of the Fundamental Relation and its various transformations leads to a clear path to property relations.
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Macroscopic Thermodynamics
We then explore the relationship between atomic and molecu-lar structure and macroscopic properties by taking a statistical point of view. Using apostulatory approach, the method for doing this is made clear. This leads to the devel-opment of the partition function which describes the distribution of molecular quantumstates as a function of the independent, macroscopic thermodynamic properties.
Microscopic Thermodynamics
Here we explore microscopic thermodynamics from a postulatory point of view. We introduce the concept of ensembles as needed to understand the relationship between atomic and molecular structural properties and macroscopic properties. This leads to the partition function which relsates the distribution of molecular quantum states as a function of the independent, macroscopic thermodynamic properties.

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Covers the basics of macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics from a postulatory point of view, providing a clear understanding of fundamental concepts
Employs a statistical viewpoint to establish the relationship between atomic and molecular structure and macroscopic properties
Utilizes a postulatory approach to simplify the understanding of concepts in microscopic thermodynamics

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Reviews summary

Statistical thermodynamics fundamentals

Learners say that this course is an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics. The engaging lectures are well-structured and provide real-world examples that help students understand the theory and apply it to practical problems. The course also provides opportunities to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques that students will find valuable in their studies and careers.
Engaging and self-paced.
"The interactive nature of the course allowed me to engage with the material and learn at my own pace."
Organized and easy to follow.
"The course was excellently structured and organized."
Assignments test understanding.
"The assignments were challenging yet manageable."
Develops critical thinking skills.
"The course also helped me develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques that I can apply in other areas of study and professional practice."
Practical applications of theory.
"The instructor provided real-world examples and case studies that helped me understand how the principles of thermodynamics apply in different contexts."
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor.
"The instructor, Professor John Daily, was highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject matter."
Slides and lectures lack detail.
"Slides don't offer enough content to do the assignments."
Slow peer grading process.
"In the first course there is a peer graded assignments that takes weeks to get a review which means more money you need to pay just to get the assignment graded (robbery)."
Quizzes are hard to pass.
"Quizes are very hard."
Lectures require additional study.
"The lectures are insufficient. You need to self study a lot."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics with these activities:
Review macroscopic thermodynamics
Refresh your understanding of macroscopic thermodynamics to better grasp more advanced concepts
Show steps
  • Review the fundamental concepts of macroscopic thermodynamics, such as temperature, pressure, and chemical potential.
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding of macroscopic thermodynamics principles.
Organize and Review Course Notes and Resources
Regularly review and organize your course notes, assignments, and readings to enhance retention and improve your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Establish a system for organizing your notes, such as using a digital note-taking app or physical folders.
  • Dedicate time to reviewing your notes after each class or study session.
  • Highlight important concepts and make annotations to improve comprehension.
  • Integrate new information with existing knowledge to strengthen your understanding.
Create a diagram of the Fundamental Relation
Solidify your understanding of the Fundamental Relation by creating a visual representation
Show steps
  • Gather information and resources on the Fundamental Relation.
  • Choose a suitable format for your diagram, such as a flowchart or a concept map.
  • Create your diagram, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Follow tutorials on statistical thermodynamics
Enhance your understanding of statistical thermodynamics by following guided tutorials
Show steps
  • Find online or in-person tutorials on statistical thermodynamics.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises to deepen your understanding.
  • Ask questions and seek clarification if needed.
Solve problems using the partition function
Strengthen your problem-solving skills by applying the partition function
Browse courses on Partition Function
Show steps
  • Gather practice problems involving the partition function.
  • Solve the problems step-by-step, carefully considering the concepts involved.
  • Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Connect with a Thermodynamics Expert or Practitioner
Seek guidance and mentorship from an experienced professional in the field of thermodynamics to gain insights, clarify concepts, and explore career opportunities.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional networks, conferences, or research publications.
  • Reach out to the mentor and express your interest in connecting.
  • Set up regular meetings or communication channels to discuss thermodynamics concepts and career advice.
  • Actively engage in the mentorship, asking questions, seeking feedback, and applying the guidance received.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Científico de Materiales
Los Científicos de Materiales utilizan principios termodinámicos para comprender y controlar las propiedades y el comportamiento de los materiales. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con la ciencia de los materiales.
Físico
Los Físicos utilizan principios termodinámicos para comprender y explicar una amplia gama de fenómenos físicos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con la física.
Ingeniero de Materiales
Los Ingenieros de Materiales utilizan principios termodinámicos para comprender y controlar las propiedades y el comportamiento de los materiales. Este curso proporciona una comprensión fundamental de la termodinámica, lo que permite a los Ingenieros de Materiales diseñar y desarrollar nuevos materiales con propiedades y aplicaciones específicas.
Químico
Los Químicos utilizan principios termodinámicos para comprender y predecir el comportamiento químico. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con la química.
Ingeniero de energía
Los Ingenieros de Energía emplean principios termodinámicos en el diseño y análisis de sistemas de energía. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y análisis de sistemas de energía.
Ingeniero Químico
Los Ingenieros Químicos se basan en gran medida en los principios de la termodinámica para diseñar, operar y optimizar procesos químicos. Este curso ofrece una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y la optimización de procesos.
Ingeniero aeroespacial
Los Ingenieros Aeroespaciales emplean principios termodinámicos en el diseño, análisis y optimización de vehículos aeroespaciales. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y análisis de vehículos aeroespaciales.
Investigador de Operaciones
A la hora de optimizar la producción, los Investigadores de Operaciones suelen emplear principios termodinámicos para mejorar la eficiencia y reducir el coste. Este curso proporciona los conocimientos fundamentales de termodinámica necesarios para entender y aplicar estos principios. Además, la comprensión de la relación entre la estructura atómica y molecular y las propiedades macroscópicas puede resultar valiosa para el diseño y desarrollo de nuevos materiales y procesos.
Ingeniero mecánico
Los Ingenieros Mecánicos emplean principios termodinámicos en el diseño y análisis de sistemas mecánicos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y análisis de sistemas mecánicos.
Ingeniero biomédico
Los Ingenieros Biomédicos utilizan principios termodinámicos para diseñar y desarrollar sistemas y dispositivos médicos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y desarrollo de sistemas y dispositivos médicos.
Profesor de Ciencias
Los Profesores de Ciencias utilizan principios termodinámicos para enseñar y explicar conceptos científicos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con la enseñanza de las ciencias.
Analista de Investigación
Los Analistas de Investigación utilizan principios termodinámicos para analizar y comprender datos de investigación. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el análisis de investigación.
Ingeniero Eléctrico
Los Ingenieros Eléctricos utilizan principios termodinámicos para diseñar y analizar sistemas eléctricos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y análisis de sistemas eléctricos.
Científico de datos
Los Científicos de Datos utilizan principios termodinámicos para desarrollar modelos y algoritmos para el análisis de datos. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que es esencial para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el análisis de datos.
Ingeniero de Software
Los Ingenieros de Software utilizan principios termodinámicos para optimizar el rendimiento y la eficiencia de los sistemas de software. Este curso proporciona una base sólida en termodinámica, que puede resultar útil para comprender y resolver problemas relacionados con el diseño y desarrollo de sistemas de software.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics.
Offers an introduction to the principles of statistical mechanics and its applications. It is written in a clear and concise manner and covers a wide range of topics, including the canonical and microcanonical ensembles, the ideal gas, and phase transitions. A helpful resource for those who want a more in-depth understanding of statistical mechanics.
Provides an introduction to the principles of thermodynamics and their applications in engineering. The text is written in a clear and concise manner and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Provides a collection of solved problems in statistical mechanics. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to test their understanding of the subject. The problems are arranged by topic, and each one is accompanied by a detailed solution.
Provides an introduction to the principles of statistical mechanics and molecular simulation. It is written in a clear and concise manner and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. The text includes numerous examples and problems to help students understand the material.
Presents a unified approach to statistical mechanics. It is written in a clear and concise manner and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. The text includes numerous examples and problems to help students understand the material.
Provides a comprehensive overview of thermodynamics and its applications in chemistry. It is written in a clear and concise manner and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. The text includes numerous examples and problems to help students understand the material.
Provides a modern introduction to the principles of statistical mechanics. It is written in a clear and concise manner and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. The text includes numerous examples and problems to help students understand the material.

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