Admission Requirements
Bachelor in Physics and knowledge of basic statistical mechanics.
Description
The course provides an introduction to phase transition and collective behavior in non-equilibrium systems and represents the second part of a two-part introductory courses on emergent phenomena in equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. The first (compulsory) part of this course is given in Statistical Physics a and is focused on phase transitions and critical phenomena at equilibrium.
Topics
Introduction to collective behavior: flocking, schooling, swarming etc.
The XY-model and the Mermin-Wagner theorem.
The Vicsek model.
Giant density fluctuations.
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is develop a strong foundation in advanced statistical mechanics with an emphasis on emergent phenomena. Furthermore, the course aims to provide the students with a toolbox of mathematical techniques that can be readily used in theoretical and experimental research projects.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures and tutorials.
Assessment method
Take-home exam consisting of a an analytical and a computational exercise.
Blackboard
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL
Reading list
Reading material (research papers and notes) will be provided during the lectures.
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. Luca Giomi