VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

327-0315-00L 3 Credits BSC D-MATL
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Statistical Thermodynamics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Hans Christian Öttinger, Prof. em. Dr. Andrei Gusev
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:13

Abstract

Foundations and applications of equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, supplemented by an elementary theory of transport phenomena.

Objective

The course provides a solid working knowledge in thermodynamics (as the appropriate language for treating a variety of problems in materials science) and in statistical mechanics (as a systematic tool to find thermodynamic potentials for specific problems)

Resources

Lecture Notes

A guideline and a summary will be provided on the course website

Literature

H. B. Callen, Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics, 2nd edition, Wiley, 1985. K. Huang, Introduction to Statistical Physics, CRC Press, 2nd edition 2010. R. Kjellander, Thermodynamics Kept Simple - A Molecular Approach, CRC Press, 2016.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
simple calculator without programming featuressubject-neutral dictionaryformula sheet provided by the lecturers
Two assessment tests are offered during the semester. They can be used to improve the final mark in the exam (15% weight for each test if it is better than the exam grade).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Statistical Thermodynamics
  • Thu 09:45-12:30 (HCI D 8)
3 h weekly

Offered In