BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE PILANI

K.K.BIRLA GOA CAMPUS

Instruction Division
First Semester 2014-2015
Course Handout
Course No. : PHY F422/425 August 04, 2014
Course Title : Group theory & Applications / Advanced Mathematical Methods of Physics
Instructor-in-charge : Madhu Kallingalthodi
Course Description :
The course intends to introduce the mathematics of groups with emphasis on problems in Physics.
Prerequisites : Quantum Mechanics II or Mathematical Methods of Physics
The rst part of the course will focus on the mathematical aspects of groups. Basic features of groups
will be described by using mostly discrete groups as examples. The notions of cosets, conjugacy classes and
invariant subgroup will be discussed. Cayleys theorem, Lagranges theorem and their implications will be
dealt with. A signicant number of permutation groups (symmetry groups) used in solid state physics will
be discussed. We will also discuss direct product and semidirect product groups.
Aspects of group representation will be discussed. Faithful representations, reducible/irreducible repre-
sentations will be dened with examples. Young diagrams will be introduced as a method to represent and
construct group representations.
Lie groups will make up the major part of the course. Lie algebra will be dened and discussed. Important
classes of simple, semi-simple Lie algebra will be explained. Various representations of Lie algebra will be
introduced including the adjoint representation. SU(2) and SU(3) algebras will be discussed in detail After
introducing subalgebra, Cartan subalgebra will be discussed. Weights and roots of a Lie algebra will be
discussed. Dynkin diagrams as a method to represent the Lie algebras will be introduced. Classication of
Lie groups/algebras based on this will be introduced.
Final part of the course will discuss spinors as a representations of Lorentz groups and SU(2). Weyl, Ma-
jorana represntations will be introduced. Cliord algebra and supersymmetry algebra will also be discussed
if time permits.
Textbooks :
T1. Group Theory and Its Applications to Physical Problems, Morton Hamermesh, Dover Publications.
T2. Semi-simple Lie Algebra and Their Representations, R. N. Cahn, Benjamin/Cummins.
References :
R1. Brian G. Wybourne, Classical Groups for Physicists, John Wiley & Sons.
R2. H. Georgi, Lie Algebras in Particle Physics, Addison-Wesley.
R3. M. Artin, Algebra, Prentice Hall.
R4. W. Ledermann, Introduction to Group Theory, Longman.
R5. I. N. Herstein, Topics in Algebra, Wiley International.
R6. I. N. Herstein, Abstract Algebra, Prentice Hall.
R7. D. J. S. Robinson, A Course in the Theory of Groups, Springer-Verlag.
Evaluation Scheme :
Evaluation Component Duration Weightage (%) Date & Time Nature
Test 1 60 minutes 20
16-09-2014
14:00 to 15:00
Open book
Test 2 60 minutes 20
21-10-2014
14:00 to 15:00
Open book
Problem sets + Tutorials 15 + 5 Common Hour
Compre. Exam 180 minutes 40
02-12-2014
14:00 to 17:00
Open book
Course plan :
Lecture No. Learning Objectives Topics to be covered Reference
1-12
Algebra of groups
Symmetry groups
Groups; isomorphisms, subgroups;
Cayleys and Lagranges theorems;
coset, conjugacy class, normal
subgroup; Simple/semi-simple groups;
direct,semidirect product;
Symmetry group, point group andlattices
Hamermesh
13-18 Representations
Faithful, Irreducible representations,
Schurs lemma, Young tableaux,
Characters
Hamermesh
19-35
Lie groups
Lie algebras
Lie groups, Lie algebra,
Fundamental & Adjoint representations
Casimirs, Cartan subalgebra,
Weights, Roots, SU(2), SU(3)
Dynkin diagrams, classications
Cahn, Georgi
36-44 Spinors
Tensor and spinor representations
Weyl, Majorana representations
Cliord algebra
Supersymmetry algebra
TBA
Consultation hours : Schedule and venue to be discussed in class.
Make-up Policy : Make-up will be given only in genuine cases. No make-up for the tutorials.
Instructor-in-charge