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LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 Introduction
Probability density, Cumulative probability		  
2 Probability examples, Averages, Poisson distribution  
3 Two random variables, Conditional probability  
4 Poisson distribution derived, jointly Gaussian random variables Problem set 1 due
5 Functions of a Random Variable  
6 Functions of a Random Variable (more than one)  
7 Summation and convolution Problem set 2 due
8 Central Limit Theorem  
9 Introduction to Thermodynamics, Zeroth Law, Empirical temperature  
10 Temperature scale, Work Problem set 3 due
11 Exact differentials, First Law of Thermodynamics  
12 Ideal gas, Adiabatic path  
13 Phase space, Equal a priori probabilities Problem set 4 due
14 Microcanonical Ensemble, Entropy  
15 Second Law of Thermodynamics, Examples using entropy  
16 Two level system Problem set 5 due
17 Entropy as a state function  
Exam 1
18 Maxwell relations, Thermodynamic potentials  
19 Equivalent statements of the Second Law, Carnot Engine  
20 Refrigerator, Heat pump, Other examples  
21 Canonical Ensemble, Boltzmann probability, Partition function Problem set 6 due
22 Monoatomic ideal gas calculation  
23 Two level system  
24 Equipartition, Polyatomic gas, Vibration & quantum harmonic oscillator Problem set 7 due
25 Finish harmonic oscillator, Molecular rotations  
26 Finish rotations, Maxwell distribution  
27 Paramagnetism Problem set 8 due
28 Adiabatic demagnetism, 3rd Law of Thermodynamics, Thermal radiation  
Exam 2
29 Blackbody thermodynamics, Stephan-Boltzmann Law, Counting Modes  
30 Classical and quantum blackbody u (ω,T)  
31 Chemical potential Problem set 9 due
32 Indistinguishable particles, Symmetric vs. antisymmetric  
33 Occupation number, Fermi gas  
34 Fermi gas II Problem set 10 due
35 Neutron star  
36 Bose-Einstein Condensation  
37 Finish Bose-Einstein Condensation, Summary Problem set 11 due
Final Exam