NFYK10003U Condensed Matter Theory 2 (CMT2)

Volume 2023/2024
Education

MSc Programme in Physics

Content

The aim of the course is to provide the student with an overview of modern topics in quantum condensed matter systems, including broken symmetry in quantum phases (superconductivity), and to familiarize them with more advanced methods. The course uses both the operator version of many-body physics taught in Condensed Matter Theory 1, and the functional path integral methods, which will be introduced in the course.

Learning Outcome

Skills
Participants are expected to learn to:

  • Explain the mechanism behind formation of a superconducting condensate

  • Use mean-field theory in fermionic many-body systems using both the operator and functional integral methods.

  • Read and explain to others modern theoretical literature in condensed matter physics

Knowledge
After the course, the student will understand the formulation of many-body physics in the language of coherent state path integrals and will be able to apply this to physical models for systems with broken symmetry, e.g., ferromagnetic or superconducting transitions.

Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within this research field, i.e. a M.Sc. project in theoretical condenses matter physics, and it will provide the students with mathematical tools that have application in range of fields within and beyond physics.

Lecture notes and recommended text books to be announced on the course homepage in Absalon.

The student is expected to have followed courses on condensed matter physics and condensed matter theory (up to 22.5 ECTS).

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures, exercises and project work.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 121
  • Theory exercises
  • 28
  • Project work
  • 24
  • Guidance
  • 4
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 min
Continuous assessment
Type of assessment details
The evaluation has two components: (a) a written report on a research paper (25%), and (2) a 20 minute oral exam without time for preparation (75%).

Each part of the exam is assessed individually and the final grade is given on this basis.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Re-exam

Same format as the regular exam. A report done for the regular exam can be transferred or new one can be written.

Criteria for exam assesment

see learning outcome