Course syllabus for Symmetry

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-16 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameSymmetri
  • CodeTIF310
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPPHS
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEngineering Physics
  • DepartmentPHYSICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 85135
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0119 Written and oral assignments 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Special relativity

Aim

The purpose of the course is to give a basic knowledge in classical field theory, with special focus on symmetries, global and local. This provides a preparation for continued studies of e.g. gravity and quantum field theory.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

After completed course, the student is expected to master basic elements of classical, including relativistic, field theory for different kinds of fields. In particular, an understanding of global and local symmetries in field theories is expected. 

Content

Discrete symmetries, CPT;
Continuous symmetries: Lie groups and algebras and their representations;
Rotational symmetries, Lorentz and Poincaré algebras;
Basic classical, incl. relativistic, field theory;
Action principle, Hamiltonian formulation;
Noether's theorem;
Currents and charges, the stress tensor;
Gauge theory: minimal coupling, covariant derivatives, topological properties;
Spinors, the Dirac equation

Organisation

Lectures

Literature

lecture notes

Examination including compulsory elements

Home assignments. Oral discussion of home assignments.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.