PHYS 357Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Science
Subject: Physics

When it runs

Ran in 0 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Temperature and thermodynamic equilibrium. Work, internal energy, heat. First law. Kinetic theory of gases and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Absolute temperature, reversibility, entropy and the second law. Thermodynamic potentials and Maxwell's relations. Phase transitions. Third Law. Fundamental principles of statistical mechanics including the microcanonical and canonical ensembles.

Prerequisites

Complete all of the following
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - AMATH250 - Introduction to Differential Equations (0.50)
  - AMATH251 - Introduction to Differential Equations (Advanced Level) (0.50)
  - MATH228 - Differential Equations for Physics and Chemistry (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - ECE206 - Advanced Calculus 2 for Electrical Engineers (0.50)
  - MATH212 - Advanced Calculus 2 for Electrical Engineers (0.50)
  - MATH217 - Calculus 3 for Chemical Engineering (0.50)
  - MATH227 - Calculus 3 for Honours Physics (0.50)
  - MATH237 - Calculus 3 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
  - MATH247 - Calculus 3 (Advanced Level) (0.50)
  - NE217 - Advanced Calculus and Numerical Methods 2 (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
  - PHYS267 - Probability, Statistics, and Data Analysis for Physics and Astronomy (0.50)
  - STAT220 - Probability (Non-Specialist Level) (0.50)
  - STAT230 - Probability (0.50)
  - STAT240 - Probability (Advanced Level) (0.50)
- Complete 1 of the following
  - Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
    - AMATH271 - Introduction to Theoretical Mechanics (0.50)
    - PHYS121 - Mechanics (0.50)
  - Earned a minimum grade of 80% in each of the following:
    - PHYS111 - Physics 1 (0.50)

Antirequisites

Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- CHEM254 - Introductory Chemical Thermodynamics (0.50)
- ECE403 - Thermal Physics (0.50)
- PHYS358 - Thermal Physics (0.50)
- PHYS359 - Statistical Mechanics (0.50)

Leads to

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
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Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
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Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar

2026–27 (shown here)
2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar