The aim of the course is to give an overview of the aim and scope of the field of condensed matter theory (CMP) which is to understand how microscopic constituents (atoms, electrons, ions, ...) organize themselves into different phases of matter. The approach we will take will be to learn about particularly successful theories describing solids, crystals, metals, semiconductors and magnets. Time permitting, we will also touch upon superconductivity. The subject of phase transitions (critical pheonomena) i.e. how a phase of matter transitions to another will largely not be covered.
Lectures: Tuesdays, 13:30–14:55, Wednesdays, 11:05–12:30, Higgs
Tutorial and Quiz: Fridays: 13:30–14:55
Tutor: Kunal Singh, email: kunalsingh@hri.res.in
Evaluation criteria: 50% biweekly Quiz, 50% exam, 75% class attandence mandatory
Mid-sem week: 5–11 Oct
Mid-sem break: 12–18 Oct
End-sem week: 23–29 Nov
Oxford Solid State Basics by Steve Simon. See here for recordings of Steve's lectures based on the book.
Ashcroft and Mermin
Whence QFT by McGreevy
Lecture notes will be polished from last year's version periodically (last updated Aug 1, 2026)
Handwritten notes for the lectures (see left)