Geometrical Methods in Theoretical Physics
10 credits
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA153
A revised version of the syllabus is available.
- Code
- 1FA153
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1F
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 19 February 2018
- 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 be able to
- analyse and solve simple problems in topology (e.g. simple homotopy, homology and cohomology calculations)
- perform simple manipulations with connections and characteristic classes on fibre bundles.
- use the geometrical tools that are used widely in modern quantum feld theory and string theory
- account for the geometrical notions behind the description of gauge theories
- discuss applications of topology in various physical problems
Content
Topology, smooth manifolds, Lie groups, homotopy, homology, cohomology, principal and vector bundles, connections on fibre bundles, characteristic classes and their application in physics, Yang-Mills theory, index theorems
Instruction
Lectures and classes ("flipped classroom" might be used).
Assessment
Hand-in problems during the course.
Other directives
The course is given in coordination with the third-cycle programmes.