Physics 211C (239), Quantum phases of matter, Spring 2021


Professor: John McGreevy
mcgreevy at physics.ucsd.edu
Office Hours: After lecture, by appointment, or by email anytime. 

Homework and solutions.
Lecture notes. See also here for lecture recordings, and the notes scribbled during lecture.
Announcements Date
Here is a reminder that we will have a final lecture on Monday, June 7, at the usual time and place. 2021.06.05
For those of you who did not take the Topology from Physics course last quarter, I've prepared a relatively brief summary of some background on algebraic topology, here. Please don't be frightened. What I'm hoping for here is a nodding familiarity with the definitions, and some knowledge of where to look to understand in more depth. 2021.03.23
Welcome to my course for the spring quarter. Here is some administrative information with some hints about my plan. Your input about topics of study is most welcome. 2021.03.17
Comments about on-line lectures:

-- An important point about Zoom lectures: there is a natural tendency to not ask questions. We must overcome this to make the lectures useful. Please ask questions! Don't worry about interrupting. Another option is to ask questions by typing them in the chat window. I will require all of your help to make sure I don't miss any such cues. Please speak up!

-- I am being encouraged simply to make videos of lectures (given to no one) and post them on youtube. I am resisting this because I think a crucial part of a lecture is questions and feedback from the participants.

-- Relatedly, it would be great if everyone can have their video on. This is a big help. For the sake of sound quality, it's best if everyone mutes their microphone except when they want to speak.

-- I am planning to share my computer screen and write on my iPad like the blackboard. I will display the previous "board" as I go. At your end, Zoom has an option, which I recommend, to split the window between the shared screen and the video feed (the relative size of the two is adjustable).

-- I will be eager to hear your feedback on (or suggestions in advance for) strategies for making on-line lectures more fruitful.

2021.03.17

Text: My lecture notes. Please see the administrative handout for other information about the course.

Course Times: Lecture: MW 12:30p-1:50p. I will send the Zoom link via Canvas.