This volume originated at the 11th  Granada Seminar organized by the University of Granada, Spain, 13-17 September 2010, and it contains the main lectures, a transcription of the discussions in an open round table, and a selection of contributed papers. Each topic is comprehensively described within its scientific context, and practical exercises are suggested.
The meeting gave the opportunity to the youngest researchers to present their results and to discuss their problems with leading specialists. There were in total 60 lectures and 42 poster contributions. More than one hundred participants came from nearly thirty countries.

The Lectures introduce the beginner to novel advances in statistical physics and to the creative use of computers in scientific research. The book can also serve as a work of reference for teachers, students and researchers.