Course Details

Time and Place: MWF 10-11am, PS Bldg. Rm 334.

Office Hrs: 11am-12pm MW, 5-6pm M, 1-2pm, W, and Friday by Appointment.

Phone: 6-4318

Email: yarger@uwyo.edu

Course Mechanics

Homework: Approximately 5 homework sets will be assigned throughout the semester, each valued at 100 pts. Homework should be turned in at class on the due date. All other times will be considered late. Late homework will only be accepted up to the following class period and will automatically receive a 20 point reduction.

Special Topics: Each student will research a special topic in molecular thermodynamics. The topic must be approved by the instructor on or before Oct. 22, 2001. Each student will be required to give an oral presentation (lecture) on the topic. Finalized presentation dates will be posted here.

Grades: Grades will be based on a sliding curve with no greater than 85% of the total points needed to receive an A, 70% for a B, 55% for a C, 40% for a D, and 25% for an F in the course. Grades will be posted outside PS-318 and on the class web-page throughout the semester.

Tentative Schedule and Lecture Topics

HWK 1 - Chapters 1, 3-4:

• Review of Molecular Theory - Quantum Mechanics Postulates
• Introduction to Statistical Methods.

HWK 2 - Chapters 5-7:

• Statistical Thermodynamics
• Postulates of Thermodynamics (0th-3rd Laws of Thermodynamics)

HWK 3 - Chapters 8-12:

• Chemical and Phase Equilibria
• Solution Thermodynamics

HWK 4 - Chapters 13+:

• Thermodynamics of Electrochemical Processes
• Ionic Equilibria and Biochemical Reactions

HWK 5 - Chapters 14+:

• Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
• Transport Theory

Course Textbook

D. McQuarrie and J. Simon, Molecular Thermodynamics. - Required Text.

Mathematica 4.1 - Optional Software.