Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHYS 344 D100

Thermal Physics (3)

Class Number: 5051

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 17, 2025
    Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 21, 2025
    Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 6, 2025
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 251; both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Heat, temperature, heat transfer, kinetic theory, laws of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines, applications of thermodynamics to special systems, phase transitions. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Part 1: Ideal gas model - development of concepts:              
           Temperature, equilibrium, heat, work, entropy, energy, chemical potential, laws
Part 2: Broader fundamental theory – applied to real systems:           
           Irreversible processes, engines and refrigerators
Part 3: Gibbs free energy and applications:            
           Chemical thermodynamics, phase transformations


Course delivery
Lectures: Interactive discussions
Tutorials: Problem Discipher Sessions
Tests (4 during the term; dates to be announced): during tutorials
Independent Project - 10 minute talk on current topic
No Final exam

Grading

  • Assignments 10%
  • Tutorials 10%
  • Final Exam 20%
  • In-class exams(4) 60%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required text:
"An Introduction to Thermal Physics" Daniel V. Schroeder


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.