MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details

Year of entry: 2027

Course unit details:
Advanced Quantum Matter

Course unit fact file
Unit code PHYS40071
Credit rating 15
Unit level Level 7
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Department of Physics & Astronomy
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit offers an advanced introduction to modern quantum Condensed Matter Physics, in particular the physics of topological and strongly correlated quantum systems.  

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Advanced Quantum Mechanics PHYS30602 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Condensed Matter Physics PHYS30151 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

Aims

This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical framework underlying modern condensed matter physics, where quantum statistics, topology, and strong correlations play a central role. After introducing the second-quantized formalism for bosons and fermions, the course develops the conceptual and mathematical tools necessary to analyse quantum Hall systems, superconductivity, as well as topological and strongly-correlated phases of matter. Students will develop the ability to connect abstract theoretical constructs to experimentally observable phenomena and to use these ideas to access current research in condensed matter physics. 

Learning outcomes

ILO 1 - Apply advanced theoretical frameworks to model and interpret the behaviour of quantum many-body systems. 

ILO 2 - Apply concepts from topology, quantum mechanics, and condensed matter theory to derive and interpret the physical consequences of models describing superconductivity, quantum Hall effects, and topological insulators. 

ILO 3 -

1. Introduction to Bose and Fermi operators (2 lecture): 1D spin chains and mapping to bosonic and fermionic problems. Jordan-Wigner and Holstein-Primakoff transformations. 

Synchronous learning:

  • 33 lectures (includes 6h of example classes)

 

Asynchronous learning:

Material available online prior to teaching sessions:

  • Schematic summary of key concepts
  • Lecture notes
  • Lecture slides (if used) 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 100%

Recommended reading

  • Coleman, P. Introduction to Many-Body Physics, Cambridge University Press, 2015.
  • Altland, A. & Simons, B. Condensed Matter Field Theory, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • Girvin, S. M. & Yang, K. Modern Condensed Matter Physics, Cambridge University Press, 2019.
  • Bernevig, B. A. & Hughes, T. L. Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors, Princeton University Press, 2013.
  • Wen, X.-G. Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems: From the Origin of Sound to an Origin of Light and Electrons, Oxford University Press, 2004.
  • Scheduled activity hours Lectures 33
    Independent study hours
    Independent study 117

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