Statistical Physics I OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Undergraduate Class on Statistical Mechanics and Probability

Published Jan 30, 2009

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An undergraduate course in probability and statistical mechanics is presented in 'Statistical Physics I.' This OpenCourseWare is offered for free online by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and deals with statistics and its relevance to thermodynamics. This course is ideal for anyone working toward a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Statistical Physics I: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes Yes

Statistical Physics I: Course Description

This OpenCourseWare covers a variety of statistical concepts and how they apply to physical occurrences.

Students explore concepts related to probability, such as random variables and probability densities. Statistical mechanics are also covered and incorporate macroscopic variables and microcanonical ensembles. This OpenCourseWare places special emphasis on thermodynamics and covers its first, second and third laws. Professor Young Lee teaches this course in lecture format, which includes a full set of notes. Problem set homework assignments are available for many key topics. Students should take several prerequisites before using this OpenCourseWare, including 'Physics III: Vibrations and Waves' and 'Differential Equations.'

Lecture notes, homework assignments and the reading list are available online for free download. Interested students should visit the Statistical Physics course page.

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