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Undergraduate spring application deadline is December 1 for spring term.

CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics

This course introduces the concepts of thermodynamics. Topics include first law of thermodynamics, second law of thermodynamics, entropy, statistical mechanics, specific heat capacities of gases and solids, efficiency and the Carnot cycle, chemical potential, chemicals and phase equilibriums, etc. Applications explored will include the behavior of gases and the operation of heat engines. Laboratories emphasize real world applications of the concepts and problem solving skills taught in this course.

Prerequisites

Special information

First day attendance is mandatory.
Overlap: Student cannot receive credit for both CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry I and PHYS 351 Thermodynamics.
5 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 4, 2017 to present

Learning outcomes

General

  • Demonstrate mastery of the thermodynamics concepts and vocabulary at the level necessary for success in graduate level work in this field.
  • Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills and competency with arithmetic, algebra and statistics at a level appropriate for graduates of bachelors degree programs in the physical sciences.
  • Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories and facts in thermodynamics at a level appropriate to upper division undergraduate study in chemistry and physics.
  • Understand and apply concepts of energy, heat, pressure, work, heat capacities, enthalpy, thermal equilibrium, entropy, chemical potential and their molecular view.
  • Understand and apply equipartition theorem.
  • Understand and apply free energy and chemical potential.
  • Understand and apply statistical mechanics.
  • Understand and apply the first law, second law and third law of thermodynamics and their molecular origin.
  • Understand and apply the laws of thermodynamics to heat engines and refrigerators.
  • Understand and apply the microscopic model of thermodynamic systems including the ideal gas, paramagnets, etc.
  • Use the above listed knowledge in quantitative problem-solving with differential and integral calculus.

Spring 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
01 Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics Daghigh, Ramin G Books for CHEM-351-01 Spring 2025 Course details for CHEM-351-01 Spring 2025