Basic Thermodynamics Course: Classical & Statistical Approaches | Prof. Arnab Mukherjee
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 104 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemistry |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Demystifying Entropy: A 12-Week Journey Through Basic Thermodynamics
Have you ever wondered why ice melts, why engines run, or how life sustains its order? The answers lie in the powerful and elegant laws of thermodynamics. For students embarking on a journey in chemistry, physics, or engineering, a solid grasp of thermodynamics is not just beneficial—it's essential. We are excited to introduce a comprehensive 12-week course, Basic Thermodynamics: Classical and Statistical Approaches, designed to build this foundational understanding from the ground up.
Your Guide: Learn from an Expert
This course is expertly led by Prof. Arnab Mukherjee from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. With a distinguished academic path from Jadavpur University to the Indian Institute of Science and postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions like the École Normale Supérieure in Paris and the University of Colorado Boulder, Prof. Mukherjee brings a wealth of knowledge. His research in computational chemistry and biophysics, focusing on protein folding, drug design, and molecular thermodynamics, ensures that the course content is both deep and applied, connecting fundamental principles to real-world scientific questions.
Course Overview: Why Thermodynamics Matters
If quantum mechanics explains the nature of matter itself, thermodynamics is the science that governs its change. This course acts as Chemical Principles II, picking up where an introductory understanding of matter leaves off. The central, and often most enigmatic, hero of this story is Entropy. This course is dedicated to demystifying this critical concept and its related thermodynamic potentials.
We take a unique, holistic approach, weaving together three perspectives:
- The Classical View: Born from macroscopic observations and brilliant heuristic reasoning.
- The Statistical View: Providing the microscopic, molecular-level basis for thermodynamic laws.
- The Postulate-Based View: Offering a powerful and formal mathematical framework.
By the end of this journey, you will not just calculate entropy; you will understand what it truly represents.
Who Should Enroll?
- Primary Audience: First-year undergraduate students pursuing a B.Sc. in Chemistry.
- Advanced Students: M.Sc. students in physical chemistry and doctoral researchers seeking a robust refresher on core thermodynamic concepts.
- Interdisciplinary Learners: Students from physics, engineering, and biological sciences will find the fundamental principles invaluable.
What You Will Learn: A Week-by-Week Roadmap
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Introduction, Zeroth & First Laws of Thermodynamics, Internal Energy, Heat, and Work. |
| 3-4 | State & Path Functions, p-V Work, Heat Capacities, Joule Expansions, Thermochemistry. |
| 5-6 | The Second Law: Various Statements, Carnot Cycle, the Definition of Entropy, Heat Engines. |
| 7-9 | Statistical Foundation: Probability, Boltzmann Formula, Energy Distribution, Calculating Entropy. |
| 10-12 | Entropy Postulates, Introduction to Free Energies, Maxwell Relations, and Key Applications. |
Prerequisites & Industry Relevance
To ensure you can fully engage with the material, you will need a comfort with 12th-standard level mathematics, specifically calculus (differentiation) and basic probability. The course builds concepts step-by-step, making it accessible to dedicated beginners.
Due to its fundamental nature, this course provides critical support for roles in chemical engineering, materials science, pharmaceutical research, data science (via statistical mechanics), and energy sectors. A strong command of thermodynamics is a key asset across scientific and technological industries.
Essential Learning Resources
The course content is supported by references from classic and modern textbooks, including:
- Silbey, Alberty, & Bawendi's Physical Chemistry
- Atkins & de Paula's Physical Chemistry
- Zemansky & Dittman's Heat and Thermodynamics
- Dill & Bromberg's Molecular Driving Forces
- Callen's Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics
Begin Your Thermodynamic Journey
Basic Thermodynamics: Classical and Statistical Approaches is more than a course; it's a key to unlocking a deeper understanding of the physical world. Under the guidance of Prof. Arnab Mukherjee, you will transition from seeing thermodynamics as a set of abstract equations to appreciating it as a profound description of reality. Enroll today and start demystifying the enigma of entropy.
Enroll Now →