Introduction to phase transitions

What is important?

• What is the difference between first and second order phase transtions? 
• What means glass transition on molecular level?
• Regular solution model, free energy of mixing and interaction parameter
• Spinodal decomposition and Cahn-Hilliard equation
• nucleation and growth
• What can one learn about phase separation via scattering experiments (light, x-ray)?
• Crystal nucleation, nucleation rate?

Lecture material  (html)