String Theory

This course provides an introduction to string theory and its current status. After a brief discussion about the historical origins of string theory and its role in the current research in theoretical physics, topics covered in the course will include: the relativistic string, classical string dynamics, routes to string quantization, conformal field theory, string interactions, worldsheet and space-time supersymmetry, open strings and D-branes, string dualities and M-theory, string geometry: orbifolds and Calabi-Yau space and compactification. If time allows, additional topics discussed will include: black holes in string theory, gauge theory/string theory duality, the AdS/CFT correspondence, nuclear physics and condensed matter systems and braneworld scenarios.

Offer as needed

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