Renato Renner: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Name	Prof. Dr. Renato Renner
Field	Theoretical Physics
Address	Institut für Theoretische Physik ETH Zürich, HIT K 41.2 Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 27 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 34 58
Fax	+41 44 633 11 15
E-mail	renner@itp.phys.ethz.ch
URL	http://www.itp.phys.ethz.ch/people/renner/
Department	Physics
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
402-0101-00L	The Zurich Physics Colloquium	0 credits	1K	R. Renner, G. Aeppli, C. Anastasiou, G. Blatter, S. Cantalupo, C. Degen, G. Dissertori, K. Ensslin, T. Esslinger, J. Faist, M. Gaberdiel, T. K. Gehrmann, G. M. Graf, R. Grange, J. Home, S. Huber, A. Imamoglu, P. Jetzer, S. Johnson, U. Keller, K. S. Kirch, S. Lilly, L. M. Mayer, J. Mesot, B. Moore, D. Pescia, A. Refregier, A. Rubbia, T. C. Schulthess, M. Sigrist, A. Vaterlaus, R. Wallny, A. Wallraff, W. Wegscheider, A. Zheludev, O. Zilberberg
Abstract	Research colloquium
Learning objective
402-0800-00L	The Zurich Theoretical Physics Colloquium	0 credits	1K	O. Zilberberg, C. Anastasiou, G. Blatter, M. Gaberdiel, T. K. Gehrmann, G. M. Graf, S. Huber, P. Jetzer, L. M. Mayer, B. Moore, R. Renner, T. C. Schulthess, M. Sigrist, University lecturers
Abstract	Research colloquium
Learning objective	The Zurich Theoretical Physics Colloquium is jointly organized by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. Its mission is to bring both students and faculty with diverse interests in theoretical physics together. Leading experts explain the basic questions in their field of research and communicate the fascination for their work.
402-0830-00L	General Relativity	10 credits	4V + 2U	R. Renner
Abstract	Manifold, Riemannian metric, connection, curvature; Special Relativity; Lorentzian metric; Equivalence principle; Tidal force and spacetime curvature; Energy-momentum tensor, field equations, Newtonian limit; Post-Newtonian approximation; Schwarzschild solution; Mercury's perihelion precession, light deflection.
Learning objective	Basic understanding of general relativity, its mathematical foundations, and some of the interesting phenomena it predicts.
Literature	Suggested textbooks: C. Misner, K, Thorne and J. Wheeler: Gravitation S. Carroll - Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity R. Wald - General Relativity S. Weinberg - Gravitation and Cosmology N. Straumann - General Relativity with applications to Astrophysics
406-0204-AAL	Electrodynamics Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.	7 credits	15R	R. Renner
Abstract	Derivation and discussion of Maxwell's equations, from the static limit to the full dynamical case. Wave equation, waveguides, cavities. Generation of electromagnetic radiation, scattering and diffraction of light. Structure of Maxwell's equations, relativity theory and covariance, Lagrangian formulation. Dynamics of relativistic particles in the presence of fields and radiation properties.
Learning objective	Develop a physical understanding for static and dynamic phenomena related to (moving) charged objects and understand the structure of the classical field theory of electrodynamics (transverse versus longitudinal physics, invariances (Lorentz-, gauge-)). Appreciate the interrelation between electric, magnetic, and optical phenomena and the influence of media. Understand a set of classic electrodynamical phenomena and develop the ability to solve simple problems independently. Apply previously learned mathematical concepts (vector analysis, complete systems of functions, Green's functions, co- and contravariant coordinates, etc.). Prepare for quantum mechanics (eigenvalue problems, wave guides and cavities).
Content	Classical field theory of electrodynamics: Derivation and discussion of Maxwell equations, starting from the static limit (electrostatics, magnetostatics, boundary value problems) in the vacuum and in media and subsequent generalization to the full dynamical case (Faraday's law, Ampere/Maxwell law; potentials and gauge invariance). Wave equation and solutions in full space, half-space (Snell's law), waveguides, cavities, generation of electromagnetic radiation, scattering and diffraction of light (optics). Application to various specific examples. Discussion of the structure of Maxwell's equations, Lorentz invariance, relativity theory and covariance, Lagrangian formulation. Dynamics of relativistic particles in the presence of fields and their radiation properties (synchrotron).
Literature	J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics W.K.H Panovsky and M. Phillis, Classical electricity and magnetism L.D. Landau, E.M. Lifshitz, and L.P. Pitaevskii, Electrodynamics of continuus media A. Sommerfeld, Elektrodynamik, Optik (Vorlesungen über theoretische Physik) M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of optics R. Feynman, R. Leighton, and M. Sands, The Feynman Lectures of Physics, Vol II
851-0144-20L	Philosophical Aspects of Quantum Physics Particularly suitable for students of D-CHAB, D-PHYS	3 credits	2S	N. Sieroka, R. Renner
Abstract	This course provides an introduction to philosophical issues about quantum physics. In particular, we will examine key concepts (such as locality and time) and different interpretations of quantum mechanics (such as the many-worlds interpretation).
Learning objective	By the end of the course students are able to describe and compare different interpretations of quantum mechanics. They are able to identify and examine issues about these different interpretations as well as more general issues concerning key concepts of quantum physics and concerning the transition between quantum and classical descriptions in physics. Students are in a position to critically discuss and evaluate the repercussions of these issues in broader scientific contexts. The course is part of ETH's "Critical Thinking"-Initiative and facilitates students' abilities to express their thoughts clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing).