Explore phase transitions in hard-core systems through this comprehensive lecture by Deepak Dhar. Delve into the fundamentals of phases and phase transitions, examining the general theory and the need for simpler models. Investigate the hard sphere model, focusing on fluid-solid transitions and entropy of melting. Compare melting entropies of various materials and analyze the melting/crystallization transition in hard spheres. Examine phase transitions in systems of long rods, including lattice models and earlier work in the field. Learn about Monte Carlo algorithms for studying these systems. Gain insights into the complex world of statistical physics through this in-depth exploration of hard-core particle interactions and their role in phase transitions.