Course Information

Homework

 

Lectures

 

 

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:

 

á        Mathematical tools:

1.      Differential forms (exterior calculus)

2.      Lie groups

3.      Lie algebras

4.      Fiber bundles, flat and curved

á        A formalism for gauge theories which applies equally well to internal (e.g., SU(N)) and gravitational symmetries.

á        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%

Final Exam:     35%

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Course Information

Homework

 

Lectures