Ideal Gases (Coursera)

Ideal Gases (Coursera)

Course 3 of Statistical Thermodynamics, Ideal Gases, explores the behavior of systems when intermolecular forces are not important. This done by evaluating the appropriate partition functions for translational, rotational, vibrational and/or electronic motion. We start with pure ideal gases including monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic species.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

We then discuss both non-reacting and reacting ideal gas mixtures as both have many industrial applications. Computational methods for calculating equilibrium properties are introduced. We also discuss practical sources of ideal gas properties. Interestingly, in addition to normal low density gases, photons and electrons in metals can be described as though they are ideal gases and so we discuss them.

Course 3 of 5 in the Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Simple Ideal Gas Property Relations
Module 1 starts an exploration of systems for which intermolecular forces are not important. This is done by evaluating the appropriate partition functions for translational, rotational, vibrational and/or electronic motion. In this module we explore pure ideal gases including monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic species. We also explore literature sources of properties and empirical estimation methods.

WEEK 2
Mixtures
In Module 2 we discuss both non-reacting and reacting ideal gas mixtures as both have many industrial applications. Computational methods for calculating equilibrium properties are introduced.

WEEK 3
Photon and Electron Gases
Interestingly, in addition to normal low density gases, photons and electrons in metals can be described as though they are ideal gases and so we discuss them.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera)

Learn about novel sensing tools that make use of nanotechnology to screen, detect and monitor various events in personal or professional life. Together, we will lay the groundwork for infinite innovative applications, starting from diagnosis and treatments of diseases, continuing with quality control of goods and environmental aspects, and ending with monitoring security issues.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Materials Data Sciences and Informatics (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Materials Data Sciences and Informatics (Coursera)

This course aims to provide a succinct overview of the emerging discipline of Materials Informatics at the intersection of materials science, computational science, and information science. Attention is drawn to specific opportunities afforded by this new field in accelerating materials development and deployment efforts.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera)

En este curso aprenderás los conocimientos básicos de química general que te permitirán tener una mejor comprensión del estudio de la química, así como de la naturaleza. A lo largo del curso aprenderás la clasificación de la materia y sus propiedades, las teorías atómicas, la clasificación periódica, los tipos de enlaces y nomenclatura inorgánica.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Forensic Science (Coursera) Coursera
Nanyang Technological University

Introduction to Forensic Science (Coursera)

We have all seen forensic scientists in TV shows, but how do they really work? What is the science behind their work? The course aims to explain the scientific principles and techniques behind the work of forensic scientists and will be illustrated with numerous case studies from Singapore and around the world.

Oct 19th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentals of waves and vibrations (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Fundamentals of waves and vibrations (Coursera)

Waves are everywhere. On water of course, but also in the air as you hear a plane, and under your feet during an earthquake certainly. Vibrations, too, are everywhere In your bike as you go over a bump, in you guitar as you play, and of course in your smartphone. You can guess that there is something in common behind all this. This is exactly the purpose of this course !

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentals of Fluid-Solid Interactions (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Fundamentals of Fluid-Solid Interactions (Coursera)

What is fluid-solid interactions ? It is what happens when the motions of a fluid and of a solid are somehow coupled. This happens all the time, around you when leaves flutter in the wind, inside you when your heart beats, above you when wings of a plane vibrate, under the sea... The idea behind this MOOC is to give you the basic tools to be able to predict and eventually mitigate things called flutter, galloping, sloshing, vortex-induced vibrations, added mass, to cite a few. We are going to consider any possible domains of applications such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering , ocean engineering, biomechanics and even food processing !

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Una aproximación a la química del carbono (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Una aproximación a la química del carbono (Coursera)

En este curso, ofrecido por la UNAM, conocerás cómo se forman los compuestos orgánicos y sus propiedades físicas generales, desde la composición del petróleo hasta la obtención de hidrocarburos y los diferentes grupos funcionales. Comprenderás la estructura química de los diferentes hidrocarburos y grupos funcionales, así como las reacciones características que los distinguen. Reconocerás la importancia y el impacto ambiental del petróleo y los materiales poliméricos.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Energy Harvesting (Coursera) Coursera
Sungkyunkwan University - SKKU

Energy Harvesting (Coursera)

Joining this course presents opportunity to learn about energy harvesting that refers to a technology that converts the energy discarded in our daily lives into useful electrical energy that we can use. As we all know, most of low-power electronics, such as remote sensors, are driven by batteries. However, even when it comes to long-lasting batteries, they face an issue that is a regular replacement. It can turn out to be costly as there are hundreds of sensors in remote locations.

Oct 5th 2026
4 Weeks
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera)

The purpose of this course is to review the material covered in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to enable the student to pass it. It will be presented in modules corresponding to the FE topics, particularly those in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Each module will review main concepts, illustrate them with examples, and provide extensive practice problems.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks