Condensed Matter Theory 1

3 EC

Semester 1, period 1

53541CMT3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. Irene Aguilera Bonet
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Advanced Matter and Energy Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Mathematics, specialization Mathematical Physics, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy, Double master Mathematics and Physics, Master Mathematics, specialization Algebra and Geometry, year 1Master Mathematics, specialization Analysis and Dynamical Systems, year 1Master Mathematics, specialisation Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information, year 1Master Mathematics, specialization Stochastics , year 1

Course manual 2023/2024

Course content

Starting from basic notions of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, students will be progressively introduced to the formalisms and models of modern condensed matter theory. The basic physical principles underlying emergent phenomena will be discussed in reference to (among others) interacting bosonic, fermionic, and spin systems; broken symmetry and magnetism; and electronic structure. The universal applicability of the methods used in these discussions, like Ginzburg-Landau theory, second quantisation, and the construction of effective theories, will be emphasized.

Study materials

Other

  • Lecture Notes

Objectives

  • The student can outline the basic idea of well-known theorems in condensed matter physics.
  • The student can explain classic results of modern statistical and condensed matter physics.
  • The student can apply methods of condensed matter physics to solve new problems.
  • The student can sketch properties of a physical system given some hints, without the need to perform an actual calculation.
  • The student can solve complex mathematical derivations to predict the behavior of physical systems.
  • The student can prove mathematical identities within the formalism of the course.
  • The student can recognise concepts of condensed matter physics and place them in context.
  • The student can compare models with different parameters to elucidate their effect on the final properties of the system.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study
  • Supervision/feedback meeting
  • Seminar
  • Exercise-solving tutorials

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

22

Tentamen

3

Vragenuur

6

Werkcollege

14

Self study

39

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    Attendance at lectures and tutorials is mandatory

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    30%

    Partial Exam 1

    		Must be ≥ 15, NAP if missing

    30%

    Partial Exam 2

    		Must be ≥ 15, NAP if missing

    30%

    Partial Exam 3

    		Must be ≥ 15, NAP if missing

    10%

    Perusall grade

    		Mandatory

    Detailed information is available on the Canvas pages for this course.

    Inspection of assessed work

    All communication will be through Canvas.

    Assignments

    During the course, students will be asked to:

    • actively participate in lectures and tutorials,
    • actively discuss the lecture notes with peers through Perusall,
    • do three partial exams,
    • participate (voluntarily) in the online quizzes.

    Details on all of these assignments can be found in the Canvas pages for this course.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Order and phase transitions Lecture Notes chapter 1 & 2 
    2 Order and phase transitions Lecture Notes chapter 3 
    Lecture Notes exercise set 1
    3 Non-interacting electrons Lecture Notes chapter 4 & 5
    4 Non-interacting electrons Lecture Notes chapter 6 
    Lecture Notes exercise set 2
    5 Magnetism Lecture Notes chapter 7
    6 Magnetism Lecture Notes chapter 8
    7 Magnetism Lecture Notes chapter 9
    Lecture Notes exercise set 3
    8 Exam Complete Lecture Notes

    Additional information

    See Canvas for detailed information about this course.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Irene Aguilera Bonet

    TAs

    • Suvendu Barik
    • Esther van Grondelle
    • June Groothuizen
    • Mohammad Farhan Tanzim
    • Alberto Zorzato