We know the fundamental equations governing the motion of every atom in our brain and every electron in our computers - the motion of each and every atomic and subatomic particle on planet Earth can, in principle, be calculated from well understood physical laws. And yet, the natural world (and the behavior of humans and computers alike) continues to surprise us. This is because when large numbers of objects interact together, they can exhibit qualitatively new emergent phenomena, which are not obviously contained in the equations governing the motion of a single atom or electron. Condensed matter physics is the study of such emergent phenomena.
Condensed matter physics is the largest subdiscipline of modern physics. It has generated a wealth of deep concepts that govern our fundamental understanding of the modern world, and which also underpin much of our modern technological society. This specialization provides an introduction to the key concepts underpinning modern condensed matter. These concepts apply widely, and enable a powerful and widely applicable understanding of emergent phenomena in complex systems.
This specialization is aimed at individuals who are curious about what condensed matter physics is all about, and at individuals seeking ways of understanding the complex emergent phenomena using simple but powerful conceptual tools. Extensive prior knowledge of physics is not required.
The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter
University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera Specialization
Overview
Syllabus
Course 1: Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. Complex systems can exhibit emergent phenomena, wherein the interplay of simple underlying rules ... Enroll for free.
Course 2: Universal Theories
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. This course introduces the notion of universality, whereby a large zoo of seemingly disparate ... Enroll for free.
Course 3: Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic ... Enroll for free.
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. Complex systems can exhibit emergent phenomena, wherein the interplay of simple underlying rules ... Enroll for free.
Course 2: Universal Theories
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. This course introduces the notion of universality, whereby a large zoo of seemingly disparate ... Enroll for free.
Course 3: Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
- Offered by University of Colorado Boulder. This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic ... Enroll for free.
Courses
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This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic phenomenon. It will then proceed to discuss various modern topics in quantum condensed matter physics, including fractionalization, anyon statistics, topology, and non-equilibrium phases. The course aims to provide learners with an appreciation for some modern topics in condensed matter physics.
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This course introduces the notion of universality, whereby a large zoo of seemingly disparate systems can be described by the same theory. It introduces a powerful and widely applicable concept known as renormalization group which explains where this universality comes from. It introduces some paradigmatic frameworks underpinning condensed matter physics, including band structure and the quasiparticle concept. This course introduces two pillars of modern condensed matter physics. The first two modules introduce the renormalization group, which is the central paradigm of modern statistical physics, and has wide applicability across physics and beyond. The third and fourth modules introduce band theory, which is central to solid state physics, and uses it to explain metals and insulators.
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Complex systems can exhibit emergent phenomena, wherein the interplay of simple underlying rules governing the constituent parts leads to rich and unexpected behavior of the whole. Condensed matter physics is the branch of physics devoted to understanding such emergence in physical systems. It is the largest subfield of physics, and has developed a wealth of ideas and techniques for taming complexity. The course provides an introduction to this physics of emergence. The course is aimed at a general audience. It assumes familiarity with algebra, and passing familiarity with basic concepts such as atoms and energy, but does not assume knowledge of advanced physics or mathematics. It is the first of a series of three courses introducing the key ideas of modern condensed matter physics. However, it can also be taken as a standalone course.
Taught by
Rahul Nandkishore
