This book aims to describe in simple terms the new area of statistical mechanics known as spin-glasses, encompassing systems in which quenched disorder is the dominant factor. The book begins with a non-mathematical explanation of the problem, and the modern understanding of the physics of the spin-glass state is formulated in general terms. Next, the 'magic' of the replica symmetry breaking scheme is demonstrated and the physics behind it discussed. Recent experiments on real spin-glass materials are briefly described to demonstrate how this somewhat abstract physics can be studied in the laboratory. The final chapters of the book are devoted to statistical models of neural networks.The material here is self-contained and should be accessible to students with a basic knowledge of theoretical physics and statistical mechanics. It has been used for a one-term graduate lecture course at the Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics.Contents:The Ising Magnetic SystemsPhysics of the Spin Glass StateReplica MethodReplica Symmetry BreakingPhysics of Replica Symmetry BreakingReplica Symmetry Breaking Solution Near TcUltrametricityScaling in the Space of Spin Glass StatesExperimentsPartial AnnealingStatistical Models of Neural NetworksThe Hopfield ModelPartial Annealing in Neural NetworksOther Kinds of Neural NetworksAppendix: Stability of the Replica-Symmetric SolutionsReadership: Researchers and graduate students in statistical mechanics and neural networks.Key Features:Enables a non-native writer to produce a research article in science, technology or medicineIs written in simple, clear English, yet deals with high-level skillsDevelops straightforward, reliable models for science research writing taken from analysis of over 600 published research articlesIs both a textbook and a reference manual, providing the grammar and vocabulary needed to communicate science research clearly and accuratelyCan be used by EAP professionals worldwide as well as science researchers