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Universal Theories
Rahul Nandkishore
Rahul Nandkishore
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/c0jpij/universal
What's inside
Syllabus
Universal Theories and Renormalization Group
This module introduces the notion of universality and introduces the renormalization group.
Read more
Syllabus
Universal Theories and Renormalization Group
This module introduces the notion of universality and introduces the renormalization group.
Read more
From Renormalization Group to Phases
This module continues the presentation of the renormalization group and explains the emergence of universality.
Band Theory
This module explores the basics of the Band Theory of Electrons.
Metals and Insulators
This module provides detailed discussion of metals and insulators.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces the powerful concept of renormalization group, widely applicable in physics and beyond
Provides a thorough understanding of the pillars of modern condensed matter physics
Outlines the fundamental concepts underlying band structure and the quasiparticle concept
Suitable for learners interested in the theoretical foundations of condensed matter physics
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Save Universal Theories to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Universal Theories with these
activities:
Read 'Solid State Physics' by Ashcroft and Mermin
Show steps
Reading 'Solid State Physics' will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of condensed matter physics.
View
Solid State Physics
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Solid State Physics'.
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
-
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
Review notes on the different theories relating universality
Show steps
Reviewing notes on universal theories will help build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Show steps
-
Gather notes from previous coursework or readings on universal theories.
-
Review the notes, focusing on the key concepts and ideas.
-
Take breaks as needed to process the information.
Create a collection of resources on condensed matter physics
Show steps
Creating a collection of resources will help you organize and access the wealth of information available on condensed matter physics.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
-
Search for articles, videos, and other resources on condensed matter physics.
-
Organize the resources into categories or topics.
-
Create a document or website to share your collection with others.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve practice problems on renormalization group
Show steps
Solving practice problems on renormalization group will help you develop a deeper understanding of the concept and its applications.
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Watch video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept
Show steps
Watching video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept will supplement your understanding of the course material and provide additional clarity.
Show steps
-
Search for video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept.
-
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.
-
Review your notes and reflect on what you have learned.
Join a study group to discuss the principles of condensed matter physics
Show steps
Joining a study group will provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with peers, discuss the course material, and reinforce your understanding.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on problems together.
-
Take turns leading the discussions and presenting your understanding of the topics.
Create a presentation on band structure
Show steps
Creating a presentation on band structure will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of the topic.
Browse courses on
Band Theory
Show steps
-
Research band structure and gather information from various sources.
-
Organize the information into a logical structure.
-
Create visual aids to illustrate your presentation.
-
Practice delivering your presentation.
Build a simple model of a crystal lattice to demonstrate band structure
Show steps
Building a model of a crystal lattice will help you visualize and understand the concepts of band structure and band theory.
Browse courses on
Band Theory
Show steps
-
Research different types of crystal lattices.
-
Choose a simple lattice structure to model.
-
Use materials such as cardboard, straws, or LEGOs to construct the model.
-
Present your model to the class and explain how it demonstrates band structure.
Attend a workshop on advanced topics in condensed matter physics
Show steps
Attending a workshop on advanced topics in condensed matter physics will expose you to cutting-edge research and allow you to learn from experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
-
Research upcoming workshops on condensed matter physics.
-
Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
-
Register for the workshop and make arrangements to attend.
Read 'Solid State Physics' by Ashcroft and Mermin
Show steps
Reading 'Solid State Physics' will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of condensed matter physics.
View
Solid State Physics
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Solid State Physics'.
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
- Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
Review notes on the different theories relating universality
Show steps
Reviewing notes on universal theories will help build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather notes from previous coursework or readings on universal theories.
- Review the notes, focusing on the key concepts and ideas.
- Take breaks as needed to process the information.
Create a collection of resources on condensed matter physics
Show steps
Creating a collection of resources will help you organize and access the wealth of information available on condensed matter physics.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for articles, videos, and other resources on condensed matter physics.
- Organize the resources into categories or topics.
- Create a document or website to share your collection with others.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve practice problems on renormalization group
Show steps
Solving practice problems on renormalization group will help you develop a deeper understanding of the concept and its applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Review your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Watch video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept
Show steps
Watching video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept will supplement your understanding of the course material and provide additional clarity.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for video tutorials on the quasiparticle concept.
- Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.
- Review your notes and reflect on what you have learned.
Join a study group to discuss the principles of condensed matter physics
Show steps
Joining a study group will provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with peers, discuss the course material, and reinforce your understanding.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other students in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on problems together.
- Take turns leading the discussions and presenting your understanding of the topics.
Create a presentation on band structure
Show steps
Creating a presentation on band structure will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of the topic.
Browse courses on
Band Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research band structure and gather information from various sources.
- Organize the information into a logical structure.
- Create visual aids to illustrate your presentation.
- Practice delivering your presentation.
Build a simple model of a crystal lattice to demonstrate band structure
Show steps
Building a model of a crystal lattice will help you visualize and understand the concepts of band structure and band theory.
Browse courses on
Band Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of crystal lattices.
- Choose a simple lattice structure to model.
- Use materials such as cardboard, straws, or LEGOs to construct the model.
- Present your model to the class and explain how it demonstrates band structure.
Attend a workshop on advanced topics in condensed matter physics
Show steps
Attending a workshop on advanced topics in condensed matter physics will expose you to cutting-edge research and allow you to learn from experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Condensed Matter Physics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming workshops on condensed matter physics.
- Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
- Register for the workshop and make arrangements to attend.
Career center
Learners who complete Universal Theories will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Condensed Matter Physicist
Condensed Matter Physicist
Condensed matter physicists study the physical properties of condensed matter, which is any material that is not a gas or a liquid. They investigate the behavior of electrons, atoms, and molecules in solids, liquids, and other condensed matter systems. This course provides a strong foundation for a career in condensed matter physics by introducing the fundamental concepts of the field, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials scientists research and develop new materials with improved properties for use in a wide range of applications, such as electronics, energy storage, and medicine. This course provides a solid foundation for a career in materials science by introducing the fundamental concepts of the field, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Computational Physicist
Computational Physicist
Computational physicists use computers to solve complex physics problems. They develop and use numerical models to simulate the behavior of matter and energy, and to predict the results of experiments. This course provides a strong foundation for a career in computational physics by introducing the fundamental concepts of the field, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical physicists develop and test theories to explain the fundamental laws of nature. They use mathematical models to describe the behavior of matter and energy, and to predict the results of experiments. This course provides a strong foundation for a career in theoretical physics by introducing the fundamental concepts of the field, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientist
Computer scientists design, develop, and test computer systems. This course may be useful for computer scientists who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. This course may be useful for mechanical engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They develop and use statistical models to analyze data, and to identify patterns and trends. This course may be useful for data scientists who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers design, develop, and test biomedical systems. This course may be useful for biomedical engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, develop, and test civil systems. This course may be useful for civil engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course may be useful for electrical engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers design, develop, and test complex systems. This course may be useful for systems engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design, develop, and test chemical systems. This course may be useful for chemical engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical models to solve problems in business and industry. This course may be useful for operations research analysts who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and test software systems. This course may be useful for software engineers who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course may be useful for quantitative analysts who want to learn more about the fundamental concepts of physics, including the renormalization group and band theory.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c0jpij/universal
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Universal Theories.
A highly regarded text that focuses specifically on the renormalization group and critical phenomena. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of these topics, which are central to the course.
A classic textbook that introduces the concepts of statistical field theory, which have applications in condensed matter physics and other areas. It provides a rigorous mathematical foundation and covers topics such as the renormalization group.
Save
Another well-regarded textbook that covers a wide range of topics in solid state physics, including band theory and the renormalization group. It is known for its clear explanations and in-depth discussions.
A textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to condensed matter field theory, which is closely related to the topics covered in the course. It offers a clear and accessible approach to these topics.
A widely-used textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to solid state physics, including band theory and the properties of metals and insulators. It offers a clear and accessible approach to these concepts.
Save
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical mechanics, which underpins the renormalization group and other concepts covered in the course. It offers a clear and accessible approach to these topics.
A textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to modern statistical mechanics, which underpins the renormalization group and other concepts covered in the course. It offers a more advanced treatment than some of the other texts on this list.
A textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum field theory, which underpins the renormalization group. It offers a clear and accessible approach to these topics.
A textbook that provides a broad overview of condensed matter physics, including discussions of band theory and the renormalization group. It offers a more conceptual approach than some of the other texts on this list.
Save
A popular science book that provides a broad overview of modern physics, including discussions of condensed matter physics and the renormalization group. It offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on these topics.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c0jpij/universal
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 4 hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Rahul Nandkishore
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter. It's comprised of three courses:
- Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond
- Universal Theories (viewing)
- Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
Good to know
Introduces the powerful concept of renormalization group, widely applicable in physics and beyond
Provides a thorough understanding of the pillars of modern condensed matter physics
Outlines the fundamental concepts underlying band structure and the quasiparticle concept
Suitable for learners interested in the theoretical foundations of condensed matter physics
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