MIT Subject Evaluations

8.333: Statistical Mechanics I
Fall 1998 Summary

Lecturer: Professor Mehran Kardar
Recitation Instructor: Alkan Kabakcioglu

Enrollment: 52
Number of students commenting: 20

8.333 is the first semester of a two-semester graduate level statistical mechanics course, covering the basic principles of statistical mechanics. The majority of respondants to the survey enjoyed the course, although there were many changes they would like to see implemented.

Students commented quite positively on the lecturer, Professor Mehran Kardar, finding his lectures wonderful, clear, and well-organized. In addition, class members felt that his lecture notes integrated well into the course as a whole, and that his lectures were generally solid. However, some felt that he moved too quickly, and would have liked more time to absorb the material. Additionally, according to one class member, "it's OK to be emotional about physics." Students wanted to see more enthusiasm about the material. Some felt the lectures dull and had trouble with drifting off.

Recitation instructor Alkan Kabakcioglu received mixed reviews from his students. Some saw him as a good instructor, felt he was good with questions and concerns, had some good presentations gave a lot of useful information, and thought he made an effort to do well. However, others thought that the recitation moved too quickly and that he became confused and disorganized. Students also wanted to see the recitation deal more closely with the problem sets.

Many class members liked the content, finding it interesting and fundamental, as well as difficult in some cases. Many wanted to see more discussion of actual systems, as opposed to theory. The exams were seen as too long. While one student found the problem sets a good mix of supplementary topics, others found the homework too long and sometimes unclear. Also, once class member complained about having an assignment in the last week in addition to a final exam.

Overall, students in this course were fond of the lectures, and found the material fundamental and necessary. While they suggested many improvements, most were ultimately satisfied with the class.

A few quotes from class members:

"The focus on mathematics was a little too heavy. I would like to have seen more examples dealing with physics."

"Lectures: logical, solid, but difficult to sit through. It's nice, though, to learn the subject from a hero of the field."

"Overall, the best course I have taken in this subject (statistical mechanics). The material was very difficult, but at the same time, accessible."