What I mean by this question is that I am very interested in the field of Theoretical Biophysics and Computational Chemistry specifically modeling of physical and biological systems (current MD methods etc.) and I kind of constructed myself a curriculum so that I can enhance my theoretical understanding on the matter. In this sense I am sort of intimidated by Statistical Mechanics and I am seeking help from this community as to how I can deal with this issue. Furthermore, any additional suggestions regarding this inquiry (not just about Stat. Mech. but also the general idea of self learning, because my current major is not really related to what I want, I am studying in Genetics and Bioengineering Department and doing a minor in Computer Science) would be much appreciated, thank you all in advance.
The answer very depends on your background and on what you want to do with statistical mechanics. The subject is not trivial and requires as a minimum background some prior knowledge of thermodynamics at the undergraduate level and a working understanding of probabilities.
What you want to do with statistical thermodynamics is the second consideration. If you want a working understanding of stat mech and molecular simulation, read the early chapters in Pathria (recommended by Vikash) that discuss the partition function(chapters 1-4) but skip the rest that cover topics specific to physicists.
I like McQuarrie's Statistical Mechanics because it has a chemistry bent that might be more relevant to your interests. The early chapters cover the general theory you need in order to understand partition functions.
If you are interested in simulations, I would recommend "Introduction to Molecular Simulation and Statistical Thermodynamics" (T.J.H. Vlugt, J.P.J.M. van der Eerden, M. Dijkstra, B. Smit, D. Frenkel) which is tutorial in nature but requires prior exposure to the basic theory.
Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/Statistical-Mechanics-Donald-Allan-McQuarrie/dp/1891389157/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484482930&sr=1-5&keywords=mcquarrie
http://homepage.tudelft.nl/v9k6y/imsst/
i would suggest you to study Statistic physics starting from the book of Huang and then for more dive in books of Reif and Pathria. The book by Reif is my favourite, it explains concepts in a broader fashion with much more clarity.
You will also need to learn mathematical methods for your desired research area.
Also there are free online learning resources such as coursera, udacity, and edx. Register for them, and take the courses and also learn programming alongside. A good example of such a course is:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/statistical-mechanics
For more see,
https://www.coursera.org/
https://www.edx.org/
https://www.udacity.com
The answer very depends on your background and on what you want to do with statistical mechanics. The subject is not trivial and requires as a minimum background some prior knowledge of thermodynamics at the undergraduate level and a working understanding of probabilities.
What you want to do with statistical thermodynamics is the second consideration. If you want a working understanding of stat mech and molecular simulation, read the early chapters in Pathria (recommended by Vikash) that discuss the partition function(chapters 1-4) but skip the rest that cover topics specific to physicists.
I like McQuarrie's Statistical Mechanics because it has a chemistry bent that might be more relevant to your interests. The early chapters cover the general theory you need in order to understand partition functions.
If you are interested in simulations, I would recommend "Introduction to Molecular Simulation and Statistical Thermodynamics" (T.J.H. Vlugt, J.P.J.M. van der Eerden, M. Dijkstra, B. Smit, D. Frenkel) which is tutorial in nature but requires prior exposure to the basic theory.
Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/Statistical-Mechanics-Donald-Allan-McQuarrie/dp/1891389157/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484482930&sr=1-5&keywords=mcquarrie
http://homepage.tudelft.nl/v9k6y/imsst/
I have recently had to go over the learning curve, and I found that it was easiest when several different sources were used, each one tending to be better at a different area. Contrary to the opinion of many, I didn't actually find McQuarrie very useful my first time around, although now that I get the material, his textbook is my go-to. He skips steps on certain things too much for a first pass, one of them being the derivation of distribution functions.
- Beginning studies
I found that Klaus Lucas "Applied Statistical Thermodynamics" covered the initial derivations of the ensembles really well and had examples to help.
M. Scott Shell's "Thermodynamics and Statistical Thermodynamics" was also very good. This book also tied concepts into simulation.
- Probability and distribution functions (as well as Solution's in general)
Arieh Ben-Naim "Molecular theory of solutions" does an outstanding job at explaining probability as well as distribution functions. Also really good at solutions, and he was/is a key figure in Kirkwood-Buff solution theory, which is probably pertinent to your area of study.
- Covering the entire spectrum
Christopher Gray, Keith Gubbins, and Christopher Joslin have a really good "tome" they called the "Theory of Molecular Fluids" it is in two parts and both are really well detailed. They take the time to show their steps, which all too often is rare.
In fact all of the above take the time to show their steps, which is why I have passed them on to you. You don't want to be reading a text that doesn't show steps on your first round.
Last but not least, while older but still venerable and highly detailed, is the two works by Terrell L. Hill, both his Statistical Mechanics (1956) as well as "An introduction to statistical thermodynamics" (dover edition is 1986 and only about $15). Once you know the subject a little and read Hill, you see that he set the bar that everyone after followed.
- Molecular Simulation
The bible in the field is Frenkel and Smit's "Understanding Molecular Simulation: from theory to algorithms"
Prof Matsoukas also mentioned the work by Vlugt et al. It is also good. Vlugt also helped write some of the codes that come with Frenkel and Smit, so it is basically a simplified version of Frenkel and Smit. Quite a good resource!
Happy travels,
Thank you all for your detailed replies to my questions. Personally, I liked reading Physical Chemistry by McQuarrie. I think because it is a bit more chemistry based, which I favor. And I certainly agree with you Braden that I would not prefer using a book that does not explain the math part explicitly.
As Braden says, Hill, which I should have included in my list too, is rigorous with the math. Of Hill's two books, start with "An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics". It covers a lot of topics at an accessible level. I use it in my stat mech course.
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