Lectures: January 4 - March 8
When: Monday, Wednesday 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Room: L158, Tech Institute
Symmetry, topology and geometry are central elements of physical theories spanning all known
length and energy scales. Group theory plays an important role in atomic, nuclear, high-energy and
condensed matter physics. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, phase transitions, and the emergence of
quantized excitations and topological defects - from phonons and quantized vortices to Higgs Bosons
and cosmic strings - are rooted in symmetry groups and their representations describing the quantum
theory of matter and radiation.
This is a two-quarter sequence covering the symmetry and topology in
quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and condensed matter physics.
The course starts with an introduction to group theory covering finite groups and
Lie groups with applications ranging from selection rules for atomic transitions to the
role of symmetry and group representations in the theory of phase transitions.
The course will cover homotopy groups and their application to the theory of topological
defects and excitations in broken symmetry states of matter and quantum fields.