University of Colorado Boulder - Universal Theories
- Offered byCoursera
Universal Theories at Coursera Overview
Duration | 13 hours |
Total fee | Free |
Mode of learning | Online |
Official Website | Explore Free Course  |
Credential | Certificate |
Universal Theories at Coursera Highlights
- Earn a certificate of completion
- Add to your LinkedIn profile
- 8 quizzes, 1 assignment
Universal Theories at Coursera Course details
- What you'll learn
- Explain the concept of universality.
- Describe the renormalization group and how it explains universality.
- Explain metals and insulators
- 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.
Universal Theories at Coursera Curriculum
Universal Theories and Renormalization Group
Universality
Coarse Graining
Universality Reviewed
Renormalization Group the Idea
Renormalization Group for Magnetization
Probability Review
Free Energies and Probabilities
Calculus Basics
Free Energy of a Magnet
Supplemental: Vector Calculus
Free Energy Under RG
Supplemental Content in the Course
Practice Quiz: Universal Theories
Graded Quiz: Module 1
How Renormalization Group Works
Universal Theories
Renormalization Group Basic Scheme
Free Energy Under RG
From Renormalization Group to Phases
RG Analysis - Setting the Scene
How Many Derivatives?
How Many Order Parameters
Glimmers of Universality
The Output of the RG
Supplemental: Computing the Beta Functions
Fixed Points of the RG
Flow Diagrams
Flow Diagrams as Phase Diagrams
RG Conclusion
Practice Quiz: RG
Graded Quiz: Module 2
Infinitely Many Parameters No More
RG Summarized
RG: Surveying the Path Forward
RG for Derivatives: What Did We Learn?
RG: Taking Stock
Output of RG Discussion
Fixed Points Discussion
Band Theory
Crystal Structures
From Diffraction to Crystal Structures
Enter Quantum Mechanics
Complex Numbers and Waves
Bloch Theorem and Crystal Momentum
From Crystal Momentum to Brillouin Zone
Bandstructure and Pauli Exclusion
Band Metals and Insulators
Module 3 Conclusion
Practice Quiz: Bloch Theorem
Graded Quiz: Module 3
Electrons Moving in Periodic Potential
Crystal Structures Discussion
Diffraction Experiments
Pauli Exclusion and Bandstructure
Module 3 Discussion
Metals and Insulators
Band Insulators
Mott Insulators
Anderson Insulators
Fermi Surface, Quasiparticles
Thermodynamics of Metals
Transport in Metals
Collective Excitations
Conclusion
Practice Quiz: Metals and Insulators
Graded Quiz: Module 4
Course 2 Review: Summative Exam
Insulators
Metals
Band and Mott Insulators
Metals
Thermodynamics of Metals
What Have We Learned?
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