402-0883-63L  Symmetries in Physics

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersM. Gaberdiel
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThe course gives an introduction to symmetry groups in physics. It explains the relevant mathematical background (finite groups, Lie groups and algebras as well as their representations), and illustrates their important role in modern physics.
ObjectiveThe aim of the course is to give a self-contained introduction into finite group theory as well as Lie theory from a physicists point of view. Abstract mathematical constructions will be illustrated with examples from physics.
ContentFinite group theory, including representation theory and character methods; application to crystal field splitting. The symmetric group and the structure of its representations; application to identical particles and parastatistics. Simple Lie algebras and their finite-dimensional representations. Description of representations of SU(N) in terms of Young diagrams; applications in particle physics.