Symmetry in Physics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA158
- Code
- 1FA158
- 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, 18 March 2010
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits with Analytical Mechanics and Special Relativity Theory or similar.
Learning outcomes
After passing the course the student should be able to:
<ul>
<li>apply reduction via moment maps to new systems in mechanics and field theory </li>
<li>relate the traditional to the modern mathematical formulation of mechanics </li>
<li>analyse the role of symmetries in quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and string theory </li>
<li>derive supercurrents for a supersymmetric model. </li>
</ul>
Content
Symmetries in classical mechanics:
The Hamilton funktion. Symplectic geometri. Hamilton flow. Action of Lie groups. Moment maps. Reduction of phase space.
Symmetries in quantum mechanics:
Wiegners theorem. Representations of the rotation group. Noether currents. Induced representation of Poincare'gruppen. Spinors.
Symmetries in quantum field theory:
Gaugesymmetries. Supersymmetry. Superspace. Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST)-symmetries..
Symmetries in stringteori: Sigmamodels, Duality.
Instruction
Lectures and seminars with active participation.
Assessment
Problem assignments possibly with additional oral or written exam.
Other directives
The course is given as freestanding course and third-cycle course.