String Theory for Undergraduates

Introduction to Theoretical Polymer Physics

This note describes the following topics: Random Walk models of polymer conformations, Gaussian chain, Self-avoiding walks and excluded-volume interaction, Scale invariance, Relation between self-avoiding walks and critical phenomena, Self-consistent field theory for polymers, Screening of excluded volume interactions, Flory-Huggins theory, Theta collapse, Blob concept, Generic phase diagram of polymer solutions, Rouse model, Zimm model, Hydrodynamic screening in semidilute solutions, Reptation model.

Author(s): Monash University, Australia

NA Pages

Techniques Of Theoretical Physics

This note provides an application of mathematical methods to problems in theoretical physics. Topics covered includes: A variety of techniques employing calculus, Introduction to complex numbers, matrices, vector calculus, Fourier series, and differential equations.

Author(s): Prof. Nikolay Prokofiev

NA Pages

Advanced Concepts of Theoretical Physics

This note describes mathematical concepts that are at the basis of the modern theories of particle and condensed matter physics, as well as of some advanced topics in quantum mechanics. Topics covered includes: From Mechanics to Quantum Field Theory, Lie Groups and Lie Algebras, Galilei, Lorentz, and PoincarŽe Algebras, Abelian and Non-Abelian Gauge Fields, Topology of Gauge Fields, Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics.

Author(s): Uwe-Jens Wiese

142 Pages

M.Phys Option in Theoretical Physics

This note covers the following topics: Path Integrals in Quantum Mechanics, Stochastic Processes and Path Integrals, Statistical mechanics in one dimension, Classical Field Theory , Canonical Quantization, Interacting Quantum Fields, Path Integrals in Quantum Field Theory, Many-Particle Quantum Systems, Phase Transitions.

Author(s): John Chalker and Andre Lukas

113 Pages

Eight Lectures on Theoretical Physics

This note covers the following topics: Reversibility and Irreversibility, Thermodynamic States of Equilibrium in Dilute Solutions, Atomic Theory of Matter, Equation of State for a Monatomic Gas, Heat Radiation and Electrodynamic Theory, Heat Radiation. Statistical Theory, General Dynamics. Principle of Least Action, Principle of Relativity.

Author(s): Max Planck

99 Pages

String Theory for Undergraduates

This note covers the following topics: Lorentz transformations, Light-cone coordinates, Energy and momentum, Compact dimensions, orbifolds, Relativistic electrodynamics, Gauss' law, Gravitation and Planck's length, Gravitational potentials, compactification, and large extra dimensions, area formula for spatial surfaces, Relativistic strings: Nambu-Goto action, equations of motion and boundary conditions, Periodicity conditions for the motion of closed strings, The formation of cusps, Conserved currents in E&M, Conserved charges in lagrangian mechanics, Closed strings and Heterotic string theory.

Author(s): Prof. Barton Zwiebach and Prof. Alan Guth

NA Pages

Concepts in Theoretical Physics

These lectures provide bite sized introductions to a handful of topics in theoretical physics, aimed at first year undergraduates. They were given from 2008 to 2011. Presentations can be downloaded below.The lecture notes can be downloaded in both PDF and PS formats

Author(s): David Tong, Cambridge university

NA Pages

Lectures on String Theory

These lecture notes provide a detailed introduction to the bosonic string and conformal field theory, aimed at "Part III" (i.e. masters level) students. The full set of lectures notes can be downloaded here and weigh in at around 200 pages. Individual sections can be downloaded below. Last updated February 2012.This covers the following: The Classical String, The Quantum String, Open Strings and D-Branes, Introducing Conformal Field Theory, Path Integrals and Ghosts, Scattering Amplitudes, Low Energy Effective Actions, Compactification and T-Duality

Author(s): David Tong, Cambridge university

NA Pages