Course syllabus (PDF file)

This the course page for Statistical Mechanics and Chemistry, taught by Prof. Pratyush Tiwary in Spring 2026. Relevant links, references etc. will be uploaded here. I will also upload homework/exam problems here (but likely not their solutions except those for midterms and final exam). The class will taught in-person, with recorded videos through youtube available after class. However you should try your best to attend the live classes and engage in discussions on the slack workspace if you want to make the best of this class.

What's new:

• Join slack channel for the course! Sign up link has been sent to all registered students via email. Ask me if you have not received it. We will be using slack almost entirely for all communications.

• Course syllabus is now available (PDF file).

• Homework1 (PDF file) is now available

Lectures:

Lectures 2-3 (2/3-2/5): Thermo refresher. Introduction to ergodic hypothesis and ensembles. Microcanonical ensemble and the principle of equal a priori probabilities. [Up next: Why does not the energy "shell width" matter in microcanonical ensemble. Canonical ensemble. Thermdynamics from canonical ensemble. Energy fluctuations.]

• Lecture 3 PDF notes, video (youtube link)

• Lecture 2 PDF notes, video (youtube link)

Lecture 1 (1/29): An ode to Thermodynamics but why we need Statistical Mechanics. Math and Thermo refresher. 

• Watch: This Youtube clip (7 min 33 sec)

• Read this substack post

• Lecture 1 PDF notes, video (youtube link)

• Homework1 (PDF file)