Thermal & Statistical Physics

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Chidi Okoro (Associate Professor of Physics)
• Email: cokoro@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 412
• Office Hours:
  • Monday & Thursday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 412)
  • Wednesday: 2:00–3:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Laws of thermodynamics, entropy, free energies, kinetic theory, the Boltzmann distribution, partition functions, and quantum statistics with applications to gases, solids, and radiation. PHYS 330 synthesizes classical macroscopic thermodynamics with microscopic statistical mechanics to explain the thermal behavior of physical systems. Beginning with temperature, heat capacities, and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, we explore thermodynamic potentials, Legendre transforms, and phase equilibria. We then transition to the statistical foundation of entropy, deriving the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, Boltzmann and Gibbs distributions, partition functions, and quantum statistics for ideal Bose and Fermi gases.

Prerequisites

PHYS 221 and MATH 240.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of PHYS 330, students will be able to:

1. Apply the Laws of Thermodynamics: Calculate work, heat, internal energy, entropy changes, and maximum efficiencies for diverse thermodynamic cycles and processes.
2. Utilize Thermodynamic Potentials and Maxwell Relations: Formulate enthalpy, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy, and apply Maxwell relations to derive relationships between measurable thermal quantities.
3. Connect Microscopic Microstates to Macroscopic Entropy: Compute multiplicity functions for simple quantum systems (two-state paramagnets, Einstein solids) and apply Boltzmann's statistical definition of entropy.
4. Calculate Partition Functions in the Canonical Ensemble: Construct single-particle and system partition functions to determine average energies, heat capacities, pressures, and equations of state.
5. Evaluate Grand Canonical Systems and Chemical Potential: Apply the grand partition function and chemical potential to open systems, adsorption models, and chemical equilibrium.
6. Analyze Quantum Statistics: Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein: Derive Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distribution functions, analyzing electron degeneracy pressure in metals/white dwarfs, Planck blackbody radiation, and Bose-Einstein condensation.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Schroeder, Daniel V. An Introduction to Thermal Physics. Oxford University Press, 2021. Approx. $55 for paperback or digital purchase.
2. Scientific calculator with exponential and logarithmic capabilities. Approx. $15 to $25.
3. Total estimated cost: $55 to $80.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), PHYS 330 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to visualize thermodynamic phase diagrams, generate practice problems on combinatorics and partition functions, and clarify the physical interpretation of entropy and chemical potential.
• What is prohibited: You may not submit AI-generated derivations or problem solutions for weekly assignments, generate computational code for graded projects without acknowledgment, or access any generative AI during examinations.
• Disclosure: On each submitted problem set, include a written statement describing which AI tools were consulted and detailing how you confirmed the validity of the statistical derivations, or confirm that no AI tools were used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 20% (In class, Thursday, September 24)
• Midterm Exam 2: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 29)
• Weekly Analytical Problem Sets: 25% (Due Fridays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–13; lowest dropped))
• Statistical Modeling Project: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in PHYS 330.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Because PHYS 330 covers subtle statistical and thermodynamic derivations that require direct interactive dialogue, regular attendance at both weekly Tuesday and Thursday lectures is expected. Notify Dr. Okoro via email in advance of any legitimate excused absence. Missing more than three lectures without excuse may lower your final course grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Problem sets submitted within 24 hours of the deadline incur a 20% penalty. Because complete solution sets are published 24 hours after the deadline, no submissions can be accepted after that window. The lowest problem set grade is dropped to accommodate unforeseen illnesses.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).