Introduction to String Theory

9 units (3-0-6) | second, third terms

Ph 250 a will cover the worldsheet formulation of string theory, including conformal field theory, supersymmetry, the emergence of gravity, scattering amplitudes, T-duality, and D-branes. We will also discuss how to build semi-realistic models of elementary particle physics from string theory. Ph 250 b will cover advanced topics such as non-perturbative dualities, Calabi-Yau geometry and mirror symmetry, black holes, the holographic principle and its relation to quantum information theory, and constraints on gravitational theories. Not offered 2026-27.