Statistical Mechanics preparedness ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the preparedness for taking Statistical Mechanics, particularly focusing on the pre-requisites of Quantum Mechanics 1 and Thermodynamics. Participants share their experiences and opinions on whether it is feasible to take Statistical Mechanics without having completed Quantum Mechanics first.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about taking Statistical Mechanics without having completed Quantum Mechanics 1, despite being prepared in Thermodynamics.
  • Another participant suggests that the main ideas from Quantum Mechanics relevant to Statistical Mechanics are covered in the textbook, implying that prior rigorous knowledge may not be necessary.
  • A later reply mentions that many students at their institution take Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics concurrently, indicating that this is a common practice.
  • Another participant shares their own experience of successfully taking both courses simultaneously, labeling the Quantum Mechanics pre-requisite as "silly."
  • One participant notes that access to parts of the Kittel book online helped in their decision to enroll in the course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of the Quantum Mechanics pre-requisite, with some arguing it is not critical while others express concern about the lack of preparation.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary based on their individual backgrounds and institutions, and there is uncertainty regarding the extent to which Quantum Mechanics knowledge is required for success in Statistical Mechanics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering taking Statistical Mechanics without having completed Quantum Mechanics, as well as those interested in the relationship between these courses in a physics curriculum.

lsaldana
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Statistical Mechanics preparedness...?

Hello, I am a third year physics major having trouble deciding wether to take Statistical Mechanics this Spring semester. The problem is that there are 2 pre-requisites, Quantum Mechanics 1 and Thermodynamics, and I am only taking Thermodynamics this semester and I'm doing good. I could wait to take Statistical Mechanics one more year but I'm worried on how this will affect my chances at doing good at the physics GRE (which I plan to take next fall sometime). My advisor said he could sign me up and override the Quantum 1 pre-req since I will have thermo done. The book the professor will probably use is Thermal Physics by George Kittel (2nd edition). I've been told that other students do this often but I'm not sure since the only introduction to Quantum I have is from my modern physics class (sophomore level) and it's not very rigorous. Any advice? Thanks.

Course description: The statistical basis of thermodynamics is developed. Topics include entropy and the second law, partition functions and free energy, systems of variable particle number, and quantum statistics.
 
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Thermal Physics by Kittel and Kroemer is a typical undergraduate book.

The main ideas from quantum are basically a 1D infinite well, distinguishable particles, indistinguishable particles (fermions/bosons), and at least some concept of spin.

Really most of these ideas are developed solely within the book. There will be minor things that you probably won't pick up but it shouldn't hinder you from successfully learning all of the main points of the book (in my experience even people that have had quantum don't pick up on some of the more subtle points).

Also if it makes you feel better typically people at my school usually take quantum and stat. mech. concurrently and usually learn the quantum based stuff before they do in quantum class.
 


Georgia Tech?
 


Yeah I'm at Tech and I signed up after all. Google has part of the Kittel book uploaded so that helped me decide.
 


I'm at Tech and I took statistical mechanics at the same time as quantum 1 and was just fine. It's kind of a silly pre-req.
 

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