This course introduces a wide range of concepts used to describe many-particle systems: Stochastic dynamics in and out of equilibrium, exact solutions of lattice models, mean-field theory, the renormalization group, and disordered systems. 

In particular, the renormalization group provides a unifying language across a wide range of theoretical physics: from quantum field theory and particle physics to statistical physics and condensed matter. Stochastic dynamics is a key concept to describe systems out of equilibrium, for instance transport and traffic phenomena, the dynamics of biomolecules, neural systems, or biological evolution.

Literature: 
Plischke and Bergersen, Equilibrium statistical physics (World Scientific)
Goldenfeld, Lectures on phase transitions and the renormalization group (Westview Press)
Chaikin and Lubensky, Principles of condensed matter physics (Cambridge University Press)

The full description can be found in the module handbook. 
 

Building on the foundational exposition of quantum mechanics in the B. Sc. in Physics curriculum, this course teaches the parts of advanced quantum mechanics that are required knowledge for doing master thesis research in experimental or theoretical physics. 

In particular, the course develops the basic formalism of quantum scattering theory, arguably the main tool to analyze fundamental physics experiments at high and low energies. The part on the Dirac equation, governing all fundamental matter fields, discusses the novel features that arise when quantum mechanics is combined with the theory of special relativity; here, students learn where 'spin' comes from, and they get an outlook on the origins of quantum field theory. The part on second quantization introduces the formalism needed for the many-body physics of atomic nuclei and condensed matter systems.

Literature: 
Sakurai, Modern Quantum Mechanics (Addison-Wesley)
Schwabl, Advanced Quantum Mechanics (Springer)

The full description can be found in the module handbook.