Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge and understanding of condensed matter phenomena and their physical models. Targets such as individual learning, understanding, and being able to apply the models to simple cases will be pursued and verified by means of specific homeworks, and final papers.
Judgment will be encouraged and soft skills developed by assigning short public presentations to each student.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course presents an introduction to the concepts and tools of modern condensed matter physics. The course introduces the key notions of broken symmetry, adiabatic continuity, quantum matter and applications of the renormalization group, along with an introduction to the notion of topology. Each topic is illustrated using examples of correlated states of matter realized in nature.
Full programme
• Principles and overview of modern condensed matter field theory.
• Broken symmetry and its consequences. Phase transitions,
excitations, rigidity and defects. Applications in magnetism and superfluidity.
• Adiabatic continuity and the Landau-Fermi liquid theory of metals.
• Field theory of superfluids: ground states, excitations and the Higgs
mechanism in charged superfluids and superconductors.
• Some aspects of the many body problem in condensed matter:
(i) Hubbard model;
(ii) Propagators and Feynman diagrams: energies and quasiparticles;
(iii) Metals: electrons, holes and plasmons.
• Anderson localization (via scaling and the renormalization group).
• Topological objects: kinks and vortices, Kosterlitz-Thouless transition (in
outline).
• Topological theories of matter (in outline) and the fractional quantum
Hall effect.
• Path integrals in condensed matter. Applications to statistical
physics. The Berry phase in magnetism
Bibliography
Lectures are based on the textbook
* Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur, T. Lancaster and S.J. Blundell, Oxford.
Applications of the physics can be found in
* J.F. Annett Superconductivity, Superfluids and Condensates, Oxford Master Series.
* S.J. Blundell Magnetism in Condensed Matter, Oxford Master Series.
Additional readings will also be set by the lecturer.
Teaching methods
The course comprises 52 hours teaching. The course will be delivered via a lecture series (in English) with formative problem sets and examples.
Assessment methods and criteria
An initial self evaluation test doesn't contribute to the marks.
Marking of homeworks (50% weight) and student presentation (50%
weight) cumulatively marked in 0-15/30 range.
Final papers with 0-15/30 marks.
The registered marks are the sum of these two.
Other information
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