instructor: Dr. Tom Christensen

office hours: Tues: 10:30 - 10:50 and 12:00 - 12:30 , Thurs: 10:30-10:50 or by appointment

office: Engr 210
phone: 262-3130
email: tchriste@mail.uccs.edu

class web site: http://www.uccs.edu/~tchriste/courses/PES341/

"Introduction to Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics"
Keith Stowe, (Wiley, 1984)

COURSE OUTLINE:

This semester will cover parts of Chapters 1-14, 16-18, 21, and 24 in Stowe.

I. Introduction to Statistical Mechanics (Ch. 1 - 4 )

II. Statistical Thermodynamics (Ch. 5 -14)

III. Statistical Mechanics (Ch. 16 -18, 21, 24)

GRADING:

Problem Sets	(8 - 12 sets)	lowest discarded	25%
Mid-term Exam 1	Ch. 1 - 8	Feb. 28	25%
Mid-term Exam 2	Ch. 9- 14	April 11	25%
Final Exam	Ch. 16, 17, 18, 21, 24	May 14	25%

Homework: Due approximately every one - two weeks. Solutions to the homework will be distributed after the problems have been turned in. Homework problems are a very important part of the course. The only way to learn physics is to work with it as much as possible.

Study hints: Read the assigned text pages before coming to class. This will help familiarize you with the concepts to be discussed in lecture. If you do not understand the material after reading and the lecture, ask questions. Questions are welcome during the lecture or during my office hours. Work all of the homework problems and, if possible, look at a few other problems. Experience solving problems will help on exams!!

Reasonable accommodation: Students with a disability who require accommodations should
provide a letter of accommodation from Student Support Services (CH 104,
262-3354) within the first two weeks of the semester.