Elements of Statistical Mechanics

This textbook provides a concise introduction to the key concepts and tools of modern statistical mechanics. It also covers advanced topics such as non-relativistic quantum field theory and numerical methods. After introducing classical analytical techniques, such as cluster expansion and Landau theory, the authors present important numerical methods with applications to magnetic systems, Lennard-Jones fluids and biophysics. Quantum statistical mechanics is discussed in detail and applied to Bose-Einstein condensation and topics in astrophysics and cosmology. In order to describe emergent phenomena in interacting quantum systems, canonical non-relativistic quantum field theory is introduced and then reformulated in terms of Feynman integrals. Combining the authors' many years' experience of teaching courses in this area, this textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Analytical and numerical techniques in one text, including sample codes and solved problems on the web at www.cambridge.org/0521841984 Covers a wide range of applications including magnetic systems, turbulence astrophysics, and biology Contains a concise introduction to Markov processes and molecular dynamics