Geometrical Methods in Theoretical Physics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA153
- Code
- 1FA153
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 28 January 2010
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits including Mathematical Methods of Physics II or equivalent.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should
<ul>
<li>master the geometrical tools that are used widely in modern quantum feld theory and string theory;</li>
<li>understand the geometrical notions behind the description of gauge theories;</li>
<li>be able to analyse simple topological and geometrical problems;</li>
<li>be able to perform simple manipulations with connections and characteristic classes on fibre bundles.</li>
</ul>
Content
Topology, smooth manifolds, principal and vector bundles, connections on fibre bundles, characteristic classes and their application in physics, Yang-Mills theory, index theorems
Instruction
Lectures and classes.
Assessment
Hand-in problems during the course.
Other directives
The course is given in coordination with the third-cycle programmes.