course-details-portlet

TKJ4215

Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Spring 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English and norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course introduces the basis of statistical thermodynamics with examples from chemistry and biology: entropy and Boltzmann distribution law, lattice models for liquids and mixtures, free energies, partition functions, chemical equilibrium, kinetics and transport processes, electrochemistry, intermolecular forces, adsorption, phase transitions, catalysis, and polymers.

Learning outcome

After the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Explain the basic concepts and principles in statistical thermodynamics.
  • Use lattice models to study basic phenomena in chemistry and nanoscience.
  • Construct new models based on the basic principles in statistical thermodynamics.

Skills:

  • Use Python programming to solve exercise

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. Obligatory programming exercises in Python.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, only the written exam is repeated.

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Course materials

K. A. Dill & S. Bromberg, Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology, Garland Science, 2nd ed. 2011.

Subject areas

  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Chemistry