- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Fluid Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Gases
- Solids
- Liquids
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Ce que vous allez apprendre
Understand how the microscopic properties of atoms and molecules relate to classical thermodynamic properties and to some non-equilibrium phenomena.
Analyze and estimate how thermodynamic materials behave and obtain appropriate equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties.
Apply some computational skills to statistical thermodynamics.
Compétences que vous acquerrez
À propos de ce Spécialisation
Projet d'apprentissage appliqué
Assessment for the five courses in this specialization will be carried out using short, auto-graded problem sets that will test mastery of content presented in videos. Students will also be asked to submit problems without a clear method of solution for peer-review and to solve other problems on discussion boards. Please note that many problems require data that is included in my textbook, but that can also be found online or in course resources.
B.S. degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering.
B.S. degree in mechanical, aerospace or chemical engineering.
Comment fonctionne la Spécialisation
Suivez les cours
Une Spécialisation Coursera est une série de cours axés sur la maîtrise d'une compétence. Pour commencer, inscrivez-vous directement à la Spécialisation ou passez en revue ses cours et choisissez celui par lequel vous souhaitez commencer. Lorsque vous vous abonnez à un cours faisant partie d'une Spécialisation, vous êtes automatiquement abonné(e) à la Spécialisation complète. Il est possible de terminer seulement un cours : vous pouvez suspendre votre formation ou résilier votre abonnement à tout moment. Rendez-vous sur votre tableau de bord d'étudiant pour suivre vos inscriptions aux cours et vos progrès.
Projet pratique
Chaque Spécialisation inclut un projet pratique. Vous devez réussir le(s) projet(s) pour terminer la Spécialisation et obtenir votre Certificat. Si la Spécialisation inclut un cours dédié au projet pratique, vous devrez terminer tous les autres cours avant de pouvoir le commencer.
Obtenir un Certificat
Lorsque vous aurez terminé tous les cours et le projet pratique, vous obtiendrez un Certificat que vous pourrez partager avec des employeurs éventuels et votre réseau professionnel.

Cette Spécialisation compte 5 cours
Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics
Course 1 first explores the basics of both macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics from a postulatory point of view. In this view, the meaning of temperature, thermodynamic pressure and chemical potential are especially clear and easy to understand. In addition , the development of the Fundamental Relation and its various transformations leads to a clear path to property relations and to the concept of ensembles needed to understand the relationship between atomic and molecular structural properties and macroscopic properties. We then explore the relationship between atomic and molecular structure and macroscopic properties by taking a statistical point of view. Using a postulatory approach, the method for doing this is made clear. This leads to the development of the partition function which describes the distribution of molecular quantum states as a function of the independent, macroscopic thermodynamic properties.
Mécanique quantique
Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation.
Ideal Gases
Course 3 of Statistical Thermodynamics, Ideal Gases, explores the behavior of systems when intermolecular forces are not important. This done by evaluating the appropriate partition functions for translational, rotational, vibrational and/or electronic motion. We start with pure ideal gases including monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic species. We then discuss both non-reacting and reacting ideal gas mixtures as both have many industrial applications. Computational methods for calculating equilibrium properties are introduced. We also discuss practical sources of ideal gas properties. Interestingly, in addition to normal low density gases, photons and electrons in metals can be described as though they are ideal gases and so we discuss them.
Dense Gases, Liquids and Solids
Course 4 of Statistical Thermodynamics addresses dense gases, liquids, and solids. As the density of a gas is increased, intermolecular forces begin to affect behavior. For small departures from ideal gas behavior, known as the dense gas limit, one can estimate the change in properties using the concept of a configuration integral, a modification to the partition function. This leads to the development of equations of state that are expansions in density from the ideal gas limit. Inter molecular potential energy functions are introduced and it is explored how they impact P-V-T behavior. As the density is increased, there is a transition to the liquid state. We explore whether this transition is smooth or abrupt by examining the stability of a thermodynamic system to small perturbations. We then present a brief discussion regarding the determination of the thermodynamic properties of liquids using concept of the radial distribution function (RDF), and how the function relates to thermodynamic properties. Finally, we explore two simple models of crystalline solids.
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Université du Colorado à Boulder
CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
Foire Aux Questions
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