Universität Wien

260033 VU Introduction to string theory (2025W)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 26 - Physik
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 07.10. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 14.10. 09:00 - 11:30 Seminarraum A, Währinger Straße 17, 2. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 21.10. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 28.10. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 04.11. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 11.11. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 18.11. 09:00 - 11:30 Seminarraum A, Währinger Straße 17, 2. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 25.11. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 02.12. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 16.12. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 13.01. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Tuesday 20.01. 09:00 - 11:30 Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge of string theory, allowing the students to see how concepts they are already familiar with, such as quantum gauge field theories and general relativity, arise naturally within the string theory framework.
Moreover, it will serve as an introductory course necessary to access the foundations of some modern research topics, such as supersymmetry, supergravity, M-theory and holography.

The course consists of lectures and exercise sessions.

Expected prerequisites: Students should have a solid foundation in theoretical physics including advanced quantum mechanics, and basic knowledge in quantum field theory and general relativity.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment is based on a combination of:

- a test (early in the semester),
- graded homework assignments,
- oral presentation of selected exercises at the blackboard,
- and a final assessment.

All standard materials (notes, books, online resources, calculators,
etc.) may be used for homework. The format and permitted materials for
the final assessment will be announced in advance.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria


Minimum requirements: Participation in exercises (at least one
presentation), 50% of maximal points.

Assessment criteria:
- Test: ability to apply prerequisite knowledge in basic computations
relevant for the course.

- Homework: correctness, clarity of reasoning, and completeness of
solutions.

- Presentations: clarity and structure of explanation, engagement with
questions.

- Final assessment: demonstration of conceptual understanding and
ability to carry out standard computations in string theory.

The grade will be determined from the test (20%), homework exams (30%),
oral presentation (10%), final assessment (40%) according to the
following key:
- 87.5 % or more: 1
- 75 % or more: 2
- 62.5 % or more: 3
- 50% or more: 4
- below 50%: 5

Examination topics

Examination topics cover the material presented in the lectures and discussed in the exercise classes.

Reading list

References will be provided via Moodle.

Association in the course directory

M-VAF A 2, M- VAF B, Doktorat Physik

Last modified: We 01.10.2025 15:27