8.333: Statistical Mechanics of Particles
The distribution of all documents (course schedule, lecture notes, homework problems and solutions, and other handouts and announcements) will be done mostly using the World-Wide-Web. But, note that these handouts are only accessible to sites in the MIT domain.
Grades will be posted on the web using student aliases to maintain confidentiality. Aliases should be chosen by students when checking in online at the start of term.
You can also send your comments anonymously
using the provided online form (Be constructive!).
Discussions of general interest
will be posted.
| K. Huang | Statistical Mechanics |
| R. K. Pathria | Statistical Mechanics |
| A. B. Pippard | Elements of Classical Thermodynamics |
| S.-K. Ma | Statistical Mechanics |
| L.D. Landau & E.M. Lifshitz | Statistical Physics, Part 1 |
| F. Reif | Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics |
| R.P. Feynman | Statistical Mechanics |
| M. Kardar | Statistical Physics of Particles |
The complete schedule of assignments (there will be 6) with due dates is available online. Hyperlinks to the actual problem sets and solutions will be created as the term progresses. Problem sets are due by 5:00 pm on the due date. They can to be turned in lectures, in bins setup by the department, or by arrangement with the TA. No problem sets will be accepted after the solutions have been posted. Problem sets handed in after the 5 pm deadline but before the solutions have been posted are subject to a 50% grade penalty.
Occasionally, there are problems marked as optional in the problem sets. If attempted, these problems will be graded as other problems, and their score added to the total. The overall grade for the course has a 36% contribution from the (required) problem sets. Thus, perfect scores on all the non-optional problems leads to the maximal grade of 36 from the problem sets. The optional problems provide a chance to reach the 36%-score for the problem sets, even when some of the required problems are not correct.
The in-class tests each count for 15% of the final grade.
The Final Exam counts for 19% of the final grade.
A missed exam will be averaged into the final grade as zero, unless an excuse is obtained in advance. Excuses are granted only for very serious circumstances attested to by the Dean or a medical doctor. A student who has been excused may be required to take a makeup exam.
A: Exceptionally good performance, demonstrating a superior understanding of the subject matter, a foundation of extensive knowledge, and a skillful use of concepts and/or materials.B: Good performance, demonstrating capacity to use the appropriate concepts, a good understanding of the subject matter, and an ability to handle the problems and materials encountered in the subject.
C: Adequate performance, demonstrating an adequate understanding of the subject matter, an ability to handle relatively simple problems, and adequate preparation for moving on to more advanced work in the field.
D: Minimally acceptable performance, demonstrating at least partial familiarity with the subject matter and some capacity to deal with relatively simple problems, but also demonstrating deficiencies serious enough to make it inadvisable to proceed further in the field without additional work.
F: Failed. This grade also signifies that the student must repeat the subject to receive credit.
--From the MIT Regulations of the Faculty
In accord with MIT Rules and Regulations of the Faculty section 2.62, the Physics Department does not grade on a curve. Students are assessed individually, and there is no pre-determined grade spread in any subject. Consistent with this, after Drop Date, students who remain in a class are not in jeopardy of seeing their grades change due to the change in class composition.
Please note the Physics Department expectations on Community Values.
Please note the availability of the following resources in case of need:
Student Support Services
If you are dealing with a personal or medical issue that is impacting your ability to attend class, complete work, or take an exam, please discuss this with Student Support Services (S3). The deans in S3 will verify your situation, and then discuss with you how to address the missed work. Students will not be excused from coursework without verification from Student Support Services. You may consult with Student Support Services in 5-104 or at 617-253-4861. Also, S3 has walk-in hours Monday-Friday 9:00-10:00am.
Student Disability Services
MIT is committed to the principle of equal access. Students who need disability accommodations are encouraged to speak with Kathleen Monagle, Associate Dean, prior to or early in the semester so that accommodation requests can be evaluated and addressed in a timely fashion. Even if you are not planning to use accommodations, it is recommended that you meet with SDS staff to familiarize yourself with the services and resources of the office. You may also consult with Student Disability Services in 5-104 or at 617-253-1674. If you have already been approved for accommodations, please contact me early in the semester so that we can work together to get your accommodation logistics in place.