Course content

The course is given every other year, next time spring 2012, or upon agreement. Phase transitions. Properties near critical points. Multicomponent Landau theory. Universality classes. Overview of simple models. Scaling. Correlation functions. Renormalization theory: Direct space and k-space renormalization. Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions.

Learning outcome

The student is expected to obtain considerable insight into various types of phase transitions, and how these can be described theoretically in different ways, e.g., using renormalization group theory.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, colloquia, or guided self study. Voluntary calculation exercises.

Recommended previous knowledge

The student is expected to have completed an introductory course in statistical mechanics. The course gives an introduction to the field and serves as a basis for further studies within a complex field in rapid development. The course is recommended for students doing research within this field, but it is not specifically designed for such an audience. It aims at a broad coverage of topics assumed to be of general interest. The course may be taken by students in their 4th year of study.

Course materials

Literature: E.H. Hauge: Phase transitions and critical phenomena.

Credit reductions