Symmetries in physics
The objective of the course is to introduce group theory and its applications to physics.
This course is an introduction to the application of group theory and its aim is twofold: on the one hand it is to introduce the mathematical tools useful to many areas of physics (quantum mechanics, solid state physics, particle physics) and on the other hand to introduce the students with the concepts and terminology of group theory (group, group action, normal subgroups, groups and Lie algebras, etc.) which will facilitate their future confrontations with mathematical literature.
Syllabus
- Group theory and abstract algebra. Finite groups and crystal symmetries
- Linear representation of finite groups
- General topology and topological groups
- Lie groups
- SU(2) and SO(3): rotations in quantum mechanics and tensor operators.
Evaluation
Written exam
Prerequisites
Introductory quantum mechanics
