Entry requirements

120 credits in science/technology. Participation in Quantum Field Theory. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

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 relativistic point-particles and 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
• explain the implications of conformal symmetry in 2 dimensions
• get the general idea when reading the basic research papers that introduce and develop bosonic string theory

Content

Description and classical motion of 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; conformal field theory.

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.