This text provides a firm grounding in the laws and principles of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics that are essential to the study of physics. It presents the subject in a remarkably fresh, clear, and understandable manner, and is based on the most up-to-date research in the field. This sets the text apart from other books serving the same course market, as does its unique approach, which treats thermodynamics as an application of probability theory. Problems are included at the end of each chapter, and supplementary sections include review questions, exercises and solutions. The scope and variety of these problems also contribute to the work's value. Intended for use in upper undergraduate physics courses, the text is also suitable for electrical engineering and chemistry students. The material is presented at a high level, yet the mathematical foundations are compatible with students' understanding. An accompanying diskette--IBM PC version--provides helpful experience with computer approaches to the material.