Applied Statistical Thermodynamics Course | NPTEL | Prof. Tamal Banerjee IITG
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 13 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 3 in Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Bridge the Gap Between Molecules and Macroscopic Reality: An Introduction to Applied Statistical Thermodynamics
In the realms of advanced chemical engineering, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, classical thermodynamics often hits a wall. While it masterfully describes heat, work, and phase equilibria, it operates in a world that scarcely acknowledges the existence of molecules. To truly predict and engineer behavior at the nano-scale, we need a deeper, more fundamental language: the language of molecules themselves.
This is where Applied Statistical Thermodynamics becomes indispensable. This powerful framework starts with the properties of individual molecules and uses statistical methods to predict the macroscopic behavior of matter. If you're aiming to work with molecular simulations, drug design, advanced materials, or green energy technologies, this is the foundational knowledge you need.
Course Overview: Delving into the Molecular World
The Applied Statistical Thermodynamics course, offered as a specialized program, is a rigorous 12-week journey designed for postgraduate students and professionals. It moves beyond classical approaches to equip you with the tools to understand and predict equilibrium properties from a molecular perspective.
Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: Postgraduate
Instructor: Prof. Tamal Banerjee, IIT Guwahati
Learn from an Expert: Prof. Tamal Banerjee
The course is led by Prof. Tamal Banerjee, a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. With a doctorate from IIT Kanpur and over 120 publications in reputed journals, Prof. Banerjee is a leading voice in the field. His expertise is perfectly aligned with the course's goals:
- Research Focus: His group specializes in using Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents as green solvents for energy and environmental applications.
- Methodology: He employs advanced ab-initio methods and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to predict thermodynamic and transport properties.
- Practical Application: His work spans from predicting phase diagrams using models like COSMO to simulating reactive force fields for energy sources and exploring new materials for supercapacitors and drug delivery.
Learning from an instructor actively pushing the boundaries of applied statistical thermodynamics ensures the course content is both foundational and cutting-edge.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Postgraduate students in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Researchers and industrial R&D professionals in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials science companies who use molecular simulation tools.
- Anyone seeking to understand the molecular basis of thermodynamic properties and computer-aided molecular design.
Prerequisites & Industry Relevance
Prerequisites: A basic course in Classical Thermodynamics is beneficial but not mandatory. The NPTEL platform offers excellent preparatory courses which can be accessed online.
Industry Support: This course is highly relevant for industries relying on computer simulation for molecule and material design. It provides the essential statistical thermodynamics backbone for techniques used in:
- Drug Discovery & Pharma: For understanding solvation, binding affinities, and protein-ligand interactions.
- Advanced Materials: For designing new solvents, electrolytes, and nanomaterials.
- Process Engineering: For accurate prediction of phase equilibria and properties beyond the capability of simple equations of state.
Detailed Course Curriculum: A 12-Week Journey
The course is structured to build your understanding from fundamental postulates to advanced applications and simulations.
| Week | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Introduction, Postulates, Boltzmann Distribution, Canonical Partition Function & Thermodynamic Properties. |
| Week 3 | Partition Functions for Ideal Gases: Monoatomic, Diatomic, and Polyatomic molecules, Normal Mode Analysis. |
| Week 4 | Chemical Reactions in Gas Mixtures, Degree of Ionization. |
| Week 5-6 | Other Ensembles: Microcanonical, Grand Canonical, Isobaric-Isothermal. Comparisons and applications like Adsorption Isotherms. |
| Week 7-8 | Intermolecular Potentials, Virial Equation of State, and its Engineering Applications. |
| Week 9 | Models for Solids: Einstein and Debye models for crystals. |
| Week 10 | Lattice-Based Models: Flory-Huggins Model for polymers, Ising Model. |
| Week 11 | Radial Distribution Function, Introduction to Computer Simulation: Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo methods. |
| Week 12 | Advanced Theories: Perturbation Theory (e.g., Barker-Henderson). |
Key Textbooks and References
The course draws from seminal texts in the field, including:
- Sandler, S.I. - An Introduction to Applied Statistical Thermodynamics (John Wiley & Sons, 2010).
- McQuarrie, D.A. - Statistical Mechanics (University Science Books, 2000).
- Chandler, D. - Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics (Oxford University Press, 1987).
- Allen & Tildesley - Computer Simulation of Liquids (Clarendon Press, 1989).
Why This Course is Essential for Your Future
Enrolling in Applied Statistical Thermodynamics is more than learning a subject; it's about acquiring a new lens to view engineering and scientific problems. You will gain:
- The ability to connect molecular interactions to measurable bulk properties.
- A foundational understanding required to use and develop molecular simulation software (MD, Monte Carlo).
- Insights into cutting-edge research areas like green solvents, energy materials, and drug delivery systems, as reflected in Prof. Banerjee's own work.
- A significant edge in fields where molecular-level design and precision are paramount.
If you are ready to move beyond classical descriptions and master the principles that govern matter at its most fundamental level, this course is your gateway. Explore the detailed syllabus and embark on a journey to master the science of predicting macroscopic behavior from microscopic details.
Enroll Now →