Elementary Thermodynamics Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Srabani Taraphder
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 43 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemistry |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Demystifying Thermodynamics: A Foundational Course for Every Science Mind
Have you ever wondered how engines work, why ice melts, or what drives chemical reactions? The answers lie in the powerful and elegant principles of thermodynamics. Often perceived as a complex subject, thermodynamics is the universal language of energy and change. Now, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) offers a brilliant opportunity to grasp these fundamentals through the course "Elementary Thermodynamics for All." Designed and taught by the esteemed Prof. Srabani Taraphder, this 12-week journey promises to make thermodynamics accessible, intuitive, and deeply fascinating.
About the Course and Your Expert Instructor
As Prof. Taraphder aptly summarizes, this course is "All you needed to know about thermodynamics, but were always afraid to ask." It strips away the intimidation, starting from the basic description of macroscopic systems and building up to powerful applications in chemistry and engineering.
Leading this intellectual expedition is Prof. Srabani Taraphder, a theoretical chemist from IIT Kharagpur. Her research delves into the physics of biochemical reactions, employing principles of quantum and statistical mechanics to simulate enzyme-catalyzed reactions. This deep research background ensures the course is grounded in fundamental theory while being delivered with exceptional clarity for beginners.
Who Should Take This Course?
- Intended Audience: First-year undergraduate students across all science and engineering disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biotechnology, etc.).
- Prerequisites: A solid foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level (high school).
- Industry Support: The principles taught are directly applicable in chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, and materials industries, making it highly valuable for aspiring professionals.
Your 12-Week Learning Roadmap
The course is meticulously structured to guide you from basic concepts to advanced applications. Here’s a detailed week-by-week breakdown:
| Week | Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction & Mathematical Foundations | Macroscopic systems, essential math review |
| 2 | Equilibrium, Work, and Heat | Experimental conditions, energy transfer forms |
| 3 | First Law of Thermodynamics | Internal energy, Enthalpy, conservation of energy |
| 4 | Second Law of Thermodynamics | Carnot’s engine, the profound concept of Entropy |
| 5 | Spontaneity in Isolated Systems | Entropy of mixing, direction of natural processes |
| 6 | Internal and Free Energies | Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy |
| 7 | Spontaneity with Reservoirs | Practical conditions for equilibrium and reaction direction |
| 8 | Third Law & Molecular Interpretation | Absolute entropy, connecting macro and molecular worlds |
| 9 | Thermodynamics of Open Systems | Systems that exchange matter (Chemical Potential) |
| 10 | Phase Equilibrium | Why phases co-exist, phase diagrams |
| 11 | Chemical Reaction Equilibrium | Predicting reaction yields, equilibrium constants |
| 12 | Electrochemical Equilibrium | Batteries, cells, and linking chemistry with electricity |
Essential Learning Resources
To complement the video lectures and assignments, the course recommends two classic textbooks, perfect for deepening your understanding:
- Physical Chemistry by P. W. Atkins
- Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky and Dittman
Why Enroll in This Thermodynamics Course?
This course is more than just a syllabus; it's a key to understanding the physical world. You will learn not just to solve problems but to think like a thermodynamicist. From calculating the efficiency of an engine to predicting whether a chemical reaction will occur spontaneously, the skills you gain are foundational for advanced studies in any branch of science and engineering.
Taught by a leading expert from one of India's premier institutes, "Elementary Thermodynamics for All" is an invaluable, free resource that builds confidence and mastery over a subject central to modern science. Embark on this 12-week journey and unlock the laws that govern energy, change, and the universe itself.
Enroll Now →