Course manual 2019/2020
Course content
This course introduces basic concepts in string theory. In particular:
- Provides a quite complete overview of classical bosonic string theory, symmetries, mode expansions and symplectic structure.
- Focuses on "old covariant quantisation" and studies the spectrum of open/closed bosonic string theory.
- It also overviews essential aspects of "lightcone quantisation", deriving the critical dimension and "modern covariant quantisation" explaining the origin of the ghost action.
- Explains the origin of the low energy dynamics of closed bosonic string theory (gravity actions) and the low energy dynamics of open strings (D-branes).
- Introduces the essential concepts of conformal field theory (OPEs, correlation functions, Ward identities, etc) and shows how to construct vertex operators and the spectrum of bosonic string theories.
- It provides a quite compete overview of classical and quantum type IIA/B superstring theory. Introduces the notion of worldsheet supersymmetry and super-Weyl symmetry. Focuses on "old" and "modern" covariant quantisation of closed/open superstrings.
- T-duality is briefly approached.
Study materials
Literature
J. Polchinski, 'String Theory', Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics, Cambridge University Press.
- B. Zwiebach, 'A First Course in String Theory', Cambridge University Press.
Becker, Becker and Schwarz, 'String theory and M-theory', Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics, Cambridge University Press.
Syllabus
Objectives
- Students will be able to understand the basic concepts of string theory and how it is connected to the rest of theoretical physics.
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercise sessions.
Learning activities
Activity | Number of hours |
Zelfstudie | 168 |
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.
Assessment
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
| Weeknummer | Onderwerpen | Studiestof |
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The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.
Recommended prior knowledge: Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity.
Coordinator