Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018
Physics Master  | ||||||
 Core CoursesOne Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration (www.phys.ethz.ch/studies/study-administration.html) after having received the credits. | ||||||
| Core Courses in Theoretical Physics | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 402-0861-00L | Statistical Physics | W | 10 credits | 4V + 2U | G. Blatter | |
| Abstract | The lecture focuses on classical and quantum statistical physics. Various techniques, cumulant expansion, path integrals, and specific systems are discussed: Fermions, photons/phonons, Bosons, magnetism, van der Waals gas. Phase transitions are studied in mean field theory (Weiss, Landau). Including fluctuations leads to critical phenomena, scaling, and the renormalization group. | |||||
| Learning objective | This lecture gives an introduction into the the basic concepts and applications of statistical physics for the general use in physics and, in particular, as a preparation for the theoretical solid state physics education. | |||||
| Content | Thermodynamics, three laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, phenomenology of phase transitions. Classical statistical physics: micro-canonical-, canonical-, and grandcanonical ensembles, applications to simple systems. Quantum statistical physics: single particle, ideal quantum gases, fermions and bosons, statistical interaction. Techniques: variational approach, cumulant expansion, path integral formulation. Degenerate fermions: Fermi gas, electrons in magnetic field. Bosons: photons and phonons, Bose-Einstein condensation. Magnetism: Ising-, XY-, Heisenberg models, Weiss mean-field theory. Van der Waals gas-liquid transition. Landau theory of phase transitions, first- and second order, tricritical. Fluctuations: field theory approach, Gauss theory, self-consistent field, Ginzburg criterion. Critical phenomena: scaling theory, universality. Renormalization group: general theory and applications to spin models (real space RG), phi^4 theory (k-space RG), Kosterlitz-Thouless theory. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes available in English. | |||||
| Literature | No specific book is used for the course. Relevant literature will be given in the course. | |||||
| 402-0843-00L | Quantum Field Theory I | W | 10 credits | 4V + 2U | A. Gehrmann-De Ridder | |
| Abstract | This course discusses the quantisation of fields in order to introduce a coherent formalism for the combination of quantum mechanics and special relativity. Topics include: - Relativistic quantum mechanics - Quantisation of bosonic and fermionic fields - Interactions in perturbation theory - Scattering processes and decays - Elementary processes in QED - Radiative corrections | |||||
| Learning objective | The goal of this course is to provide a solid introduction to the formalism, the techniques, and important physical applications of quantum field theory. Furthermore it prepares students for the advanced course in quantum field theory (Quantum Field Theory II), and for work on research projects in theoretical physics, particle physics, and condensed-matter physics. | |||||
| Literature | as provided in the entity Lernmaterialien | |||||
| 402-0830-00L | General Relativity | W | 10 credits | 4V + 2U | R. Renner | |
| Abstract | Manifold, Riemannian metric, connection, curvature; Special Relativity; Lorentzian metric; Equivalence principle; Tidal force and spacetime curvature; Energy-momentum tensor, field equations, Newtonian limit; Post-Newtonian approximation; Schwarzschild solution; Mercury's perihelion precession, light deflection. | |||||
| Learning objective | Basic understanding of general relativity, its mathematical foundations, and some of the interesting phenomena it predicts. | |||||
| Literature | Suggested textbooks: C. Misner, K, Thorne and J. Wheeler: Gravitation S. Carroll - Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity R. Wald - General Relativity S. Weinberg - Gravitation and Cosmology N. Straumann - General Relativity with applications to Astrophysics | |||||
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