Complex systems can exhibit emergent phenomena, wherein the interplay of simple underlying rules governing the constituent parts leads to rich and unexpected behavior of the whole. Condensed matter physics is the branch of physics devoted to understanding such emergence in physical systems. It is the largest subfield of physics, and has developed a wealth of ideas and techniques for taming complexity. The course provides an introduction to this physics of emergence.
Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond
Phases of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and Beyond
This course is part of The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter Specialization
Instructor: Rahul Nandkishore
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
13 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Define what constitutes a phase of matter.
Interpret phases in terms of symmetries, and describe spontaneous symmetry breaking.
Identify the competition between energy and entropy, and explain how this produces phase transitions.
Skills you'll gain
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Assessments
14 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
This module introduces the notion of emergent phenomena, and a central application of this notion: phases of matter. We define what constitutes a phase of matter, and explain that there are many phases beyond the familiar trio of solid, liquid, and gas.
What's included
8 videos1 reading4 assignments2 peer reviews4 discussion prompts
This module introduces the notion of symmetries, which provide a powerful tool for thinking about phases of matter. It also introduces the notion of spontaneous symmetry breaking.
What's included
8 videos4 assignments1 peer review4 discussion prompts
This module introduces the concepts of energy, entropy and explains how the competition between them can drive phase transitions.
What's included
7 videos3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
In this module, you will learn a powerful tool for analyzing phases that are classified by symmetries, known as mean field theory. You will learn to apply this tool.
What's included
9 videos3 assignments1 peer review3 discussion prompts
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
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