This volume links field theory methods and concepts from particle physics with those in critical phenomena and statistical mechanics, the development starting from the latter point of view. Rigor and lengthy proofs are trimmed by using the phenomenological framework of graphs, power counting, etc., and field theoretic methods with emphasis on renormalization group techniques. Non-perturbative methods and numerical simulations are introduced in this new edition. Abundant references to research literature complement this matter-of-fact approach. The book introduces quantum field theory to those already grounded in the concepts of statistical mechanics and advanced quantum theory, with sufficient exercises in each chapter for use as a textbook in a one-semester graduate course.The following new chapters are included:I. Real Space MethodsII. Finite Size ScalingIII. Monte Carlo Methods. Numerical Field Theory

One of the most exciting and potentially rewarding areas of scientific research is the study of the principles and mechanisms underlying brain function. It is also of great promise to future generations of computers. A growing group of researchers, adapting knowledge and techniques from a wide range of scientific disciplines, have made substantial progress understanding memory, the learning process, and self organization by studying the properties of models of neural networks - idealized systems containing very large numbers of connected neurons, whose interactions give rise to the special qualities of the brain. This book introduces and explains the techniques brought from physics to the study of neural networks and the insights they have stimulated. It is written at a level accessible to the wide range of researchers working on these problems - statistical physicists, biologists, computer scientists, computer technologists and cognitive psychologists. The author presents a coherent and clear nonmechanical presentation of all the basic ideas and results. More technical aspects are restricted, wherever possible, to special sections and appendices in each chapter. The book is suitable as a text for graduate courses in physics, electrical engineering, computer science and biology.

This volume links field theory methods and concepts from particle physics with those in critical phenomena and statistical mechanics, the development starting from the latter point of view. Rigor and lengthy proofs are trimmed by using the phenomenological framework of graphs, power counting, etc., and field theoretic methods with emphasis on renormalization group techniques. Non-perturbative methods and numerical simulations are introduced in this new edition. Abundant references to research literature complement this matter-of-fact approach. The book introduces quantum field theory to those already grounded in the concepts of statistical mechanics and advanced quantum theory, with sufficient exercises in each chapter for use as a textbook in a one-semester graduate course.The following new chapters are included:I. Real Space MethodsII. Finite Size ScalingIII. Monte Carlo Methods. Numerical Field Theory