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402-0897-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MATH , D-PHYS

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Introduction to String Theory

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Matthias Gaberdiel

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:48

Abstract

This course is an introduction to string theory. It will mainly concentrate on the bosonic string and its quantisation in flat space.

Objective

The objective of this course is to motivate the subject of string theory, exploring the important role it has played in the development of modern theoretical and mathematical physics. The goal of the course is to give a pedagogical introduction to the bosonic string in flat space.

Content

I. Introduction II. The classical relativistic string III. Light-cone quantisation IV. Covariant quantisation V. Closed strings and T-duality VI. String interactions

Resources

Literature

Lecture notes: String Theory - D. Tong http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/string.html Lectures on String Theory - G. Arutyunov http://stringworld.ru/files/Arutyunov_G._Lectures_on_string_theory.pdf Books: Superstring Theory - M. Green, J. Schwarz and E. Witten (two volumes, CUP, 1988) Volume 1: Introduction Volume 2: Loop Amplitudes, Anomalies and Phenomenology String Theory - J. Polchinski (two volumes, CUP, 1998) Volume 1: An Introduction to the Bosonic String Volume 2: Superstring Theory and Beyond Errata: http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/~joep/errata.html Basic Concepts of String Theory - R. Blumenhagen, D. Lüst and S. Theisen (Springer-Verlag, 2013) A First Course in String Theory - B. Zwiebach (CUP, 2009)

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Introduction to String Theory THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLINE FROM 2 NOVEMBER.	Tue 09:45-11:30 (HPV G 5)	2 h weekly
exercise	Introduction to String Theory	Wed 10:00-11:00 (ON LI NE) Wed 10:00-11:00 (ON LI NE)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Mathematics Master
- Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  - Electives: Applied Mathematics and Further Application-Oriented Fields (¬)
    - Selection: Mathematical Physics, Theoretical Physics
Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Theoretical Physics
High-Energy Physics (Joint Master with IP Paris)
- Electives
  - Optional Subjects in Physics
Doctoral Department of Physics (More Information at: )
- Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Courses (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)