Module description
Syllabus
Nontrivial extensions of the Poincare algebra to include supersymmetry and conformal symmetry. Spinors and Clifford algebras. Representation theory of the supersymmetry algebra and conformal algebra. N=1 models of supersymmetry in four dimensions. Scale dependence of supersymmetric gauge theories with matter. Additional topics at the discretion of the lecturer: supersymmetric quantum mechanics, constraints of conformal symmetry on correlation functions, Virasoro and super Virasoro symmetry in two dimensions, superspace techniques, supergravity, supersymmetric standard model, supersymmetry in other dimensions, supersymmetry breaking, extended supersymmetry, supersymmetric localization, and other suitable advanced topics.
Prerequisites
Before taking this module you are advised to have knowledge and experience of the topics covered in the syllabus for 7CCMMS32 Quantum Field Theory
Assessment details
Written examination.
Educational aims & objectives
Supersymmetry is one of the most promising approaches to understanding particle physics beyond the ‘standard model' and is also the underpinning of the most recent ideas in theoretical physics such as superstring theories. This course provides the mathematical background to this area and to enable one both to appreciate some of the beauty of this subject and also to prepare one to study the current research literature in this area.
Teaching pattern
Two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week throughout the term