Statistical Thermodynamics For Chemists And Biochemists

This book was planned and written with one central goal in mind: to demonstrate that statistical thermodynamics can be used successfully by a broad group of scientists, ranging from chemists through biochemists to biologists, who are not and do not intend to become specialists in statistical thermodynamics. The book is addressed mainly to gradu ate students and research scientists interested in designing experiments the results of which may be interpreted at the molecular level, or in interpreting such experimental results. It is not addressed to those who intend to practice statistical thermodynamics per se. With this goal in mind, I have expended a great deal of effort to make the book clear, readable, and, I hope, enjoyable. This does not necessarily mean that the book as a whole is easy to read. The first four chapters are very detailed. The last four become progressively more difficult to read, for several reasons. First, presuming that the reader has already acquired familiarity with the methods and arguments presented in the first part, I felt that similar arguments could be skipped later on, leaving the details to be filled in by the reader. Second, the systems themselves become progressively more com plicated as we proceed toward the last chapter.

Thermodynamics is fundamental to university curricula in chemistry, physics, engineering and many life sciences. It is also notoriously difficult for students to understand, learn and apply. This book explains the fundamental concepts with great clarity, and shows how they can be applied to a variety of chemical and life science contexts.

This textbook introduces chemistry and chemical engineering students to molecular descriptions of thermodynamics, chemical systems, and biomolecules. Equips students with the ability to apply the method to their own systems, as today's research is microscopic and molecular and articles are written in that language Provides ample illustrations and tables to describe rather difficult concepts Makes use of plots (charts) to help students understand the mathematics necessary for the contents Includes practice problems and answers

"an impressive text that addresses a glaring gap in the teaching of physical chemistry, being specifically focused on biologically-relevant systems along with a practical focus.... the ample problems and tutorials throughout are much appreciated." –Tobin R. Sosnick, Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago "Presents both the concepts and equations associated with statistical thermodynamics in a unique way that is at visual, intuitive, and rigorous. This approach will greatly benefit students at all levels." –Vijay S. Pande, Henry Dreyfus Professor of Chemistry, Stanford University "a masterful tour de force.... Barrick's rigor and scholarship come through in every chapter." –Rohit V. Pappu, Edwin H. Murty Professor of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis This book provides a comprehensive, contemporary introduction to developing a quantitative understanding of how biological macromolecules behave using classical and statistical thermodynamics. The author focuses on practical skills needed to apply the underlying equations in real life examples. The text develops mechanistic models, showing how they connect to thermodynamic observables, presenting simulations of thermodynamic behavior, and analyzing experimental data. The reader is presented with plenty of exercises and problems to facilitate hands-on learning through mathematical simulation. Douglas E. Barrick is a professor in the Department of Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in biophysics and structural biology from the University of Oregon.

Statistical thermodynamics plays a vital linking role between quantum theory and chemical thermodynamics, yet students often find the subject unpalatable.In this updated version of a popular text, the authors overcome this by emphasising the concepts involved, in particular demystifying the partition function. They do not get bogged down in the mathematical niceties that are essential for a profound study of the subject but which can confuse the beginner. Strong emphasis is placed on the physical basis of statistical thermodynamics and the relations with experiment. After a clear exposition of the distribution laws, partition functions, heat capacities, chemical equilibria and kinetics, the subject is further illuminated by a discussion of low-temperature phenomena and spectroscopy. The coverage is brought right up to date with a chapter on computer simulation and a final section which ranges beyond the narrow limits usually associated with student texts to emphasise the common dependence of macroscopic behaviour on the properties of constituent atoms and molecules.Since first published in 1974 as ?Entropy and Energy Levels?, the book has been very popular with students. This revised and updated version will no doubt serve the same needs.

The book presents a clear and unique approach to statistical thermodynamics based on Shannon's measure of information, and provides applications to problems of interest in the life sciences. There is no other book which presents the fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics on Information theory, yet also includes many applications which usually do not feature in such textbooks.

This inter-disciplinary guide to the thermodynamics of living organisms has been thoroughly revised and updated to provide a uniquely integrated overview of the subject. Retaining its highly readable style, it will serve as an introduction to the study of energy transformation in the life sciences and particularly as an accessible means for biology, biochemistry and bioengineering undergraduate students to acquaint themselves with the physical dimension of their subject. The emphasis throughout the text is on understanding basic concepts and developing problem-solving skills. The mathematical difficulty increases gradually by chapter, but no calculus is required. Topics covered include energy and its transformation, the First Law of Thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy, statistical thermodynamics, binding equilibria and reaction kinetics. Each chapter comprises numerous illustrative examples taken from different areas of biochemistry, as well as a broad range of exercises and references for further study.

This book is dedicated to studying the thermodynamic bases of the structure-function relationship of proteins. It moves from the elementary principles of physical chemistry to the most current topics of biochemistry, including those that may be subject to some controversy. It considers thermodynamic properties related to the stability and function of proteins from the point of view of physics in a language that, without sacrificing conceptual rigor, is easy to read. Detailing the thermodynamics of protein-ligand interactions, protein naturation, allostery, oxidative phosphorylation and protein phosphorylation, the book will be of interest to students and teachers of chemistry, physics, biochemistry and biotechnology.