Course Identification

A basic knowledge in statistical mechanics (Ensemble theory, the partition function and what can be calculated from it) as well as thermodynamics (Free energy) is assumed.

The course will deal with the following topics:

Equilibrium statistical physics: Phase transitions and critical phenomena, including: 

Ising type models - mean field, 1D, 2D, Duality, 3D; renormalization group approach - real space and Fourier space.

Spin Glass physics: mean-field models, the replica trick, replica symmetry breaking.

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Recall the basic notions of thermodynamics and statistical physics from a new deductive perspective.
2. Discuss interacting systems and phase transitions.
3. Appreciate how competition of order and disorder determines the properties of systems at different space dimensionalities, how the renormalization group framework explains universality of critical phenomena.
4. Become acquainted with spin glasses, glass transition, the replica symmetry and its breaking.

Lecture notes