Entry requirements

120 credits. Quantum Field Theory. Advanced Quantum Field Theory is recommended.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain what questions/problems can be addressed by string theory,
• explain the different properties of point-particles, non-relativistic and relativistic strings,
• explain how the quantum string constitutes a consistent theory of quantum gravity,
• explain the description of the string from a worldsheet and a targetspace point of view,
• solve the string equations of motion subject to given initial and boundary conditions,
• get the general idea when reading the basic research papers that introduce and develop bosonic string theory.

Content

Description and classical motion of the non-relativistic string, the relativistic point particle and the relativistic string; worldsheet and targetspace points of view; light-cone description; quantisation of the point particle, the open and the closed string.

Instruction

Lectures

Assessment

Homework assignments.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.