String Theory 1

6 EC

Semester 2, period 5

53541STT6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. L. Eberhardt
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Mathematics, specialization Algebra and Geometry, year 1Master Mathematics, specialization Analysis and Dynamical Systems, year 1Master Mathematics, specialization Mathematical Physics, year 1Master Mathematics, specialization Stochastics , year 1Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy, Master Mathematics, specialisation Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information, year 1

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

This is a first course in String Theory. The main goal is to learn about some of the ideas of string theory and see where they lead us. We will also learn a useful toolbox of techniques that can be applied to many different areas throughout theoretical physics. More details on the precise content and other aspects of the course can be found in the pdf in the first announcement on canvas.

Study materials

Literature

  • David Tong: Lectures on String theory. https://www.damtp.
    cam.ac.uk/user/tong/string.html

  • Green, Schwarz, Witten: Superstring theory, vol 1

  • Blumenhagen, Lüst, Theisen: Basic Concepts of String Theory

  • Polchinski: String theory, vol 1

Objectives

  • Understand the quantization of the free relativistic particle by different methods.
  • Understand the quantization of the free relativistic string by different methods.
  • Acquire general knowledge on the quantization of systems with gauge symmetries.
  • Compute interactions in the bosonic closed string.
  • Derive the effective space-time actions from string theory.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study

The content is learned in the lecture and deepened in exercise sessions by solving problems on the subject.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

28

Werkcollege

28

Self study

112

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    Prerequisites: general relativity (absolutely necessary) and advanced quantum field theory (strongly recommended)

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details Remarks

    Final grade

    		The homework can only improve the result

    8 (80%)

    Tentamen

    1 (10%)

    Homework 1

    1 (10%)

    Homework 2

    The final grade is the weighted average of the Tentamen (80%) and homework exercises (2 x 10%), or the Tentamen (100%), whichever is higher. The exam will be with pen and paper and no aids are allowed. More details on the homeworks etc can be found in the pdf on canvas.

    Inspection of assessed work

    This will be announced on canvas.

    Assignments

    There are two homework assignments that count towards the final grade. They are to be worked out alone, not in groups or with the help of AI. They are to be handed in on the indicated date. Feedback will be given in the next exercise session.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • L. Eberhardt

    Teaching assistants: Sarah Jansen, s.e.d.jansen@uva.nl, Marco M. Baccianti, m.m.baccianti@uva.nl