-1726828298412.svg)
Chemical Thermodynamics: Principles and Applications
Explore fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics in this 12-week MIT course.
Explore fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics in this 12-week MIT course.
This comprehensive course, based on MIT's 5.601 Thermodynamics I, provides an in-depth exploration of chemical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Students will delve into the foundational principles of thermodynamics for chemical systems and their connection to molecular properties. The course covers the laws of thermodynamics, exploring how they establish relationships between entropy, energy, work, and heat flow. Participants will gain a deep understanding of equilibrium and the driving forces behind spontaneous transformations. The curriculum also introduces statistical mechanics, formalizing the molecular-scale origins of thermodynamic principles. Throughout the course, students will apply their knowledge to practical applications such as heat engines, calorimetry, and equilibrium in multi-component systems. This course serves as the first part of a two-course series, laying a strong foundation for advanced study in chemical thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and kinetics.
Instructors:
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Understand and apply the laws of thermodynamics to chemical systems
Analyze the relationships between entropy, energy, work, and heat flow
Explore the nature of equilibrium and forces driving spontaneous transformations
Apply statistical mechanics to understand molecular-scale origins of thermodynamic principles
Calculate thermodynamic properties of ideal and real gases
Evaluate the efficiency of heat engines and refrigeration cycles
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
Live video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
Module Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to chemical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Over 12 weeks, students will explore the fundamental principles governing energy, entropy, and equilibrium in chemical systems. The curriculum is divided into four main sections: Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics, Spontaneity and the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Chemical Potential and Applications of Thermodynamics. Students will learn how to apply these principles to understand and predict chemical behavior, from simple molecular interactions to complex multi-component systems. The course emphasizes the connection between macroscopic thermodynamic properties and their molecular origins, providing a deep understanding of how molecular-scale phenomena give rise to observable thermodynamic behavior. Practical applications, including the study of heat engines and calorimetry, allow students to see how these principles are applied in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, participants will have a robust foundation in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, preparing them for advanced study in chemical engineering, materials science, and related fields.
Fee Structure
Instructors
2 Courses
Chemistry Educator Advancing Digital Learning Innovation
David Grimes serves as an Instructor and Digital Learning Lab Fellow in MIT's Department of Chemistry, where he combines his expertise in physical chemistry with innovative educational approaches. After earning his BA in Chemistry from Amherst College and PhD in Physical Chemistry from MIT, he has established himself as a dedicated educator specializing in both undergraduate and graduate-level instruction. His teaching portfolio includes general chemistry, undergraduate thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Digital Learning Lab Fellow, he focuses on developing and implementing innovative teaching methods that enhance student learning through technology integration. His work bridges traditional chemistry education with modern digital learning tools, helping to transform how complex chemical concepts are taught and understood in both classroom and online environments.
Pioneering Theoretical Chemist Advancing Molecular Simulation
Adam Willard serves as Associate Professor in MIT's Department of Chemistry, where he combines theoretical chemistry with advanced computational methods to explore complex molecular systems. After earning his B.Sc. in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and PhD in chemistry from UC Berkeley, he joined MIT's faculty in 2013, achieving tenure in 2020. His research group specializes in using theory and simulation to understand molecular fluctuations in chemical phenomena, particularly focusing on excited electron dynamics in conjugated molecular systems and liquid water interfaces1
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.