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529-0433-01L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-CHAB , D-MATL , D-PHYS

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Advanced Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Roland Riek, Prof. Dr. Jeremy Richardson

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:58

Abstract

Introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic properties from molecular data.

Objective

Introduction to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic properties from molecular data.

Content

Basics of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics of classical and quantum systems. Concept of ensembles, microcanonical and canonical ensembles, ergodic theorem. Molecular and canonical partition functions and their connection with classical thermodynamics. Quantum statistics. Translational, rotational, vibrational, electronic and nuclear spin partition functions of gases. Determination of the equilibrium constants and (transition-state theory) rates of gas phase reactions. Description of ideal gases and ideal crystals. Lattice models, mixing entropy of polymers, and entropic elasticity.

Resources

Lecture Notes

See homepage of the lecture.

Literature

See homepage of the lecture.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 25 minutes

Will be announced in the lecture at the beginning of the semester and published on the homepage of the lecture.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Advanced Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics Vorlesung: Mo 8-10 Übungen Di 8-9 oder Di 10-11	Mon 07:45-09:30 (HCI J 4) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI D 4) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI D 6) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI E 2) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI E 8) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI F 2) Tue 07:45-08:30 (HCI J 4) Tue 08:45-09:30 (HCI F 2) Tue 09:45-10:30 (HCI F 2)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Chemistry Master
- Core Subjects
  - Physical Chemistry
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Physical Chemistry
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Soft Materials (MaP Doctoral School)