Explore the physics of emergence in condensed matter systems with the "Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond" course. Delve into the understanding of emergent phenomena and the interplay of simple underlying rules. Learn about phase transitions, symmetries, and the competition between energy and entropy in producing phase structures.
With an aim at a general audience, this course assumes familiarity with algebra and basic concepts such as atoms and energy. It is the first of a series of three courses introducing the key ideas of modern condensed matter physics, but it can also be taken as a standalone course.
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This course consists of modules covering emergent phenomena and phases of matter, symmetries and symmetry breaking, energy, entropy, and phase structure, as well as mean field theory.
Module 1 introduces emergent phenomena and phases of matter, exploring the interplay of simple underlying rules and seeking simplicity in complexity. It covers the phases of water, the thermodynamic limit, and phase transitions.
Module 2 delves into symmetries and symmetry breaking, discussing their significance and impact. It includes an analysis of phases in terms of symmetries and spontaneous symmetry breaking, and introduces group theory and representation theory.
Module 3 focuses on energy, entropy, and phase structure, providing insight into the role of energy, entropy, and free energy near phase transitions. It also explores ordering and entropy as well as the order parameter.
Module 4 covers mean field theory, continuous and statistical symmetries, fluctuations, and the Landau theory of phase transitions. It explores the application of these concepts to everyday life and their impact on phase transitions.
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