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8.251

String Theory for Undergraduates

4-0-8 units · Undergraduate

Introduction to the main concepts of string theory, i.e., quantum mechanics of a relativistic string. Develops aspects of string theory and makes it accessible to students familiar with basic electromagnetism and statistical mechanics, including the study of D-branes and string thermodynamics. Meets with 8.821 when offered concurrently.

Spring 2007

This course introduces string theory to undergraduate and is based upon Prof. Zwiebach's textbook entitled _A First Course in String Theory_. Since string theory is quantum mechanics of a relativistic string, the foundations of the subject can be explained to students exposed to both special relativity and basic quantum mechanics. This course develops the aspects of string theory and makes it accessible to students familiar with basic electromagnetism and statistical mechanics.

Readings

  • Zwiebach, Barton. A First Course in String Theory . New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780521831437.
    Listed reading
  • Becker, Katrin, Melanie Becker, and John H. Schwarz. String Theory and M-Theory: A Modern Introduction . Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2007. ISBN: 9780521860697.
    Listed reading
  • SES #: 4 · TOPICS: Gravitational potentials, compactification, and large extra dimensions · READINGS: Sections 3.7-3.10
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 5 · TOPICS: Nonrelativistic strings and Lagrangian mechanics · READINGS: Chapter 4
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 6 · TOPICS: The relativistic point particle: Action, reparametrizations, and equations of motion · READINGS: Chapter 5
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 10 · TOPICS: Relativistic strings: Nambu-Goto action, equations of motion and boundary conditions · READINGS: Sections 6.1-6.5
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 15 · TOPICS: Solution of the open string motion in the light-cone gauge · READINGS: Sections 9.2-9.4
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 16 · TOPICS: Light-cone fields and particles · READINGS: Sections 9.5-10.1
    Reading assignment
  • SES #: 17 · TOPICS: Light-cone fields and particles (cont.) · READINGS: Sections 10.2-10.4
    Reading assignment

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: 8.033 , 8.044 , and 8.05 Acad Year 2027-2028: U (Spring) Acad Year 2028-2029: Not offered 4-0-8 units Credit cannot also be received for 8.821

Sources