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Physics 5500 Special Topics: Gauge Theory
Spring 2009
Instructor: James
T. Wheeler
Coordinates: jim.wheeler@usu.edu
SER 228
797-3349
Office hours: After
2:15 MWF
Text: No required text.
There will be some assigned readings from the scientific literature.
Course
materials will be posted on this website.
Subjects treated:
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Mathematical tools:
1.
Differential forms (exterior calculus)
2.
Lie groups
3.
Lie algebras
4.
Fiber bundles, flat and curved
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A formalism for gauge theories which applies equally well to
internal (e.g., SU(N)) and gravitational symmetries.
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Applications
1.
Electromagnetism
2.
Non-Abelian gauge theories; the standard model
3.
General relativity
4.
Conformal gauge theory and relativistic phase space
Goal: Sufficient understanding to begin research using these
techniques
Grading
Your
grade will be based on the following weighting of course elements:
Homework: 40%
Midterm: 25%
Total: 100%
Students with physical, sensory, emotional
or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All accommodations are coordinated through the
Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, 797-2444
voice, 797-0740 TTY, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please contact the DRC
as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille,
large print or digital) are available with advance notice. |
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