PHYS515 GROUP REPRESENTATIONS

Course Code:2300515
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:Physics
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Graduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. SEÇKİN KÜRKCÜOĞLU
Offered Semester:Once in several years.

Course Objectives

Students will acquire the basic knowledge of

  • theory of finite groups and their representations
  • theory of Lie algebras and Lie groups and their representations
  • Cartan-Weyl methods to develop the representation theory of classical Lie algebras 
  • Cartan classification of classical groups and the Dynkin diagrams
  • Elementary methods for tensor products of representations. Basic examples in elementary particle physics.
  • Theory of the Lorentz Group and its uses in Physics

Course Content

Lie groups. Lie algebras. Symmetry groups of differential equations. Invariant forms on Lie groups. Ideals, solvability and nilpotency. Cartan subalgebras and root spaces. Coxeter-Dynkin diagrams. Classical Lie algebras. Representation theory. Tensor products. Enveloping algebras and Casimir operators. Physical applications.


Course Learning Outcomes

The students will gain knowledge on the conceptual foundations of the theory of finite and continous groups. They will acquire the fundamental and some advanced technical skills in using Lie algebras and Lie groups and applying them as a mathematical tool in physical applications.


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1They are competent in the fundamentals of Physics and in the subfield of their thesis work.
2They have necessary skills (literature search, experiment design, project design, etc.) for doing research with guidance of a more experienced researcher.
3They can communicate research results in a proper format (journal article, conference presentation, project report etc.)
4They can learn necessary skills and techniques (theoretical, experimental, computational etc.) on their own.
5They have necessary skills to work as team member in a research group.

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