PHYS492 GEOMETRY AND TOPOLOGY IN PHYSICS II

Course Code:2300492
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Physics
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. BAHTİYAR ÖZGÜR SARIOĞLU
Offered Semester:Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

The subject matter of this course is important for appreciating the use of differential geometry in gravity and quantum field theory, and with a broader perspective in mathematical physics at large. The greater aim is to prepare beginning students with the basics so that they are able to build on and study the modern literature on their own with relative ease.


Course Content

Lie groups on manifolds; Lie algebras; differential forms with values in a Lie algebra; fibre bundles; connection in a fibre bundle; curvature form. Gauge invariance; Maxwell and Yang-Mills equations; systems with spontaneous symmetry breakdown; Higgs mechanism; Hopf invariants; magnetic monopoles; characteristic classes; instantons.


Course Learning Outcomes

Officially the topics to cover are the following:

Lie groups on manifolds; Lie algebras; differential forms with values in a Lie algebra; fibre bundles; connection in a fibre bundle; curvature form. Gauge invariance; Maxwell and Yang-Mills equations; systems with spontaneous symmetry breakdown; Higgs mechanism; Hopf invariants; magnetic monopoles; characteristic classes; instantons. 

We will continue with where we left off on differential geometry in Phys 491 and boldly go as much as we can. 


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Can understand, model and analyze the fundamental physical processes of nature.
2Can suggest mathematical models to problems they face and solve them by various (approximate/analytical/numerical) approaches.
3Can use basic measurement devices; can choose and apply the best measurement technique.
4Can adequately record their observations, e.g., in a lab book.
5Can design and carry out experiments.
6Can access scientific information sources.
7Can critically analyze and contribute to scientific information.
8Can present scientific information clearly.
9Can analyze systems that contain probabilistic parts; can do error analysis.
10Has the basic programming skills; can solve a simple physical problem or can simulate one with an appropriate language they choose.
11Can actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information.
12Can produce new ideas and products by using their background in physics.
13Can systematically design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to respond to an existing problem.
14Is effective in oral and written communication skills by using both Turkish and English languages.
15Can do leadership and take initiative.
16Tries to find physics based solutions to the problems of the world that we live in.
17Obeys the ethical rules in the workplace and the society and ascertains that they are obeyed by others.
18Can use the digital communication and computation tools in the most efficient and effective way.
19Can effectively use the knowledge and skills they gained in physics, in observing, analyzing, modeling and solving other societal problems.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution