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Introduction to Phase Transitions and critical phenomena
Phasenübergänge: eine Einführung
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:20:01
Abstract
The lectures will be in german or in english, depending of student's request.
Objective
The students are able to understand the main physical ideas driving phase transitions.
Content
This lecture will treat key subjects related to phase transitions and critical phenomena, in particular in low dimensional systems, where the Landau theory and the renormalization group must be amended to include topological aspects. The method of lecturing will be one where the practical aspects of the variuos approaches (Landau theory, renormalization group, topological aspects) will play a more important role that the formal treatment. Students which intend to use this lecture for their didactical education will be asked to work out and present a special topic in the form of a seminar.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A manuscript will be provided.
Literature
Fluctuation theory of phase transitions, A.Z.Patashinskii, V.L. Pokrovskii, Inter. Series in Natural Philosophy, Vol. 98, Pergamon Press, London (1979) (Italian version still available and cheap, Teoria delle fluttuazioni nelle transizioni di fase, Editori Riuniti Edizioni Mir, Via Serchio, 9/11-00198 Roma)
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Phasenübergänge: eine Einführung
Does not take place this semester.
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Phasenübergänge: eine Einführung
Does not take place this semester.
|
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Mathematics, Computational Science and Engineering (Mathematics, Physics Those who want to register for elective courses in the diploma degree programme im Mathematics, should select these from the range of courses of the Master programme in Mathematics. Those who want to register for core subject and elective courses in the diploma degree programme in Physics, should select these from the range of courses of the Master programme in Physics (Core Courses: Theoretical Physics, Core Courses: Experimental Physics, Electives: Physics and Mathematics). The same holds for seminars and semester projects and papers.)
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