Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Molecular Simulation

The course in Statistical Thermodynamics and Molecular Simulation provides you with fundamental knowledge of statistical mechanics. You will understand the concept of entropy and how it connects microscopic (statistical mechanics) and macroscopic perspectives (thermodynamics).

You will learn to understand and derive macroscopic properties, such as pressure and phase behaviour, based on atomic and microscopic properties of a number of molecules using statistical mechanics or statistical thermodynamics. You will also gain a fundamental understanding of entropy, free energy, and temperature. You will learn about the principles of molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and how they are used in modern chemical research.

The course is offered both as part of a programme and as a standalone course.

The teaching consists of lectures, problem-solving exercises, laboratory work, and assignments. Laboratory work and assignments, along with associated components, are mandatory.

Assessment is conducted through a written exam at the end of the course and through laboratory work and associated mandatory components.

Lectures and exercises

The course begins with an introduction to fundamental concepts in statistical mechanics. You will learn to compare thermodynamic transformations with corresponding ensembles in statistical mechanics. We cover theories for liquids and solutions as well as simulation methods.

The problem-solving exercises help you practice using various tools and reasoning within statistical mechanics.

Laboratory work

The course also includes laboratory work and assignments. The laboratory work illustrates and exemplifies the concepts discussed during the lectures and exercises.

Prerequisites

90 ECTS credits Science studies including knowledge corresponding to KEMA20 Chemistry: General Chemistry, 15 credits, KEMA01 Organic Chemistry - Basic Course, 7,5 credits, KEMA03 Biochemistry - Basic Course, 7.5 credits, KEMB09 Physical Chemistry - Basic Course, 15 credits, and MATA02 Mathematics for Scientists, 15 credits. English 6/English Course B. OR 75 ECTS credits in physics including knowledge corresponding to FYSC11 Atomic and Molecular Physics 7.5 credits and FYSC13 Solid State Physics 7.5 credits, and 30 credits in mathematics. English 6/English Course B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 21,250
First payment: SEK 21,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.