Which Thermodynamics class to take?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between taking a thermodynamics class in the chemistry department versus the engineering department for physics majors. The engineering thermodynamics course (ENGPHYS 2H04) is more aligned with the interests of physics students, covering topics such as statistical mechanics, internal energy, and the laws of thermodynamics. In contrast, the chemistry course is tailored for chemists and biochemists, focusing on different applications of thermodynamics. Students recommend consulting an academic advisor for personalized guidance, especially regarding the inclusion of statistical mechanics in the curriculum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of statistical mechanics
  • Familiarity with the laws of thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of internal energy concepts
  • Basic principles of engineering physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum of ENGPHYS 2H04 for specific topics covered
  • Explore the differences between engineering and chemistry thermodynamics
  • Consult academic advisors for course selection strategies
  • Investigate the role of statistical mechanics in thermodynamics courses
USEFUL FOR

Physics majors, engineering students, academic advisors, and anyone interested in the applications of thermodynamics in different scientific fields.

Christine90NY
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I'm a physics major and I have the option next semester to take thermodynamics in either the chemistry department or the engineering one.
The chem thermo class is taken also by chem and chembio majors and the engineering one is taken by civil, naval, environmental, electrical, and computer engineering majors. Which would be more beneficial for me and what's the difference between thermo applied to chem or applied to engineering?
 
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I'm taking a thermodynamics class right now, and even though its coded for the physics department, its actually a engineering class. They just call it phys 2H04 for the purpose of physics students, but its actually engphys 2H04. Our class i made up of engineering physics students, physics student, and mechatronics engineering students.

I think chemists and physicists are interested in different areas of thermodynamics. So far we have covered, statistical mechanics, internal energy and the 1st law, the 2nd law form the density of states and entropy views.

Probably want the one that's closer to that. I've actually taken a very basic chem thermo class last year that's actually for biochemists, the chem one is quite different, but what we are learning in the one I'm taking now is very different from the one I done last year.

Therefore you probably want the engineers one.
 
This is probably a question best answered by your advisor, since I'm guessing this is a problem every physics student at your school runs into.
 
If either of them does an introduction to statistical mechanics, take that one. If not, I'd say that the chemistry one will probably be closer to a physicists take on thermo.
 
will.c said:
If either of them does an introduction to statistical mechanics, take that one. If not, I'd say that the chemistry one will probably be closer to a physicists take on thermo.

I second this.
 

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