Advanced Mathematical Physics

Catalog description

We will explore a few basic concepts from Algebra, Topology, and Geometry (focusing on the Algebraic aspects of the latter two) that underlie many foundational concepts in Physics, and even without being overly formal, provide geometrically intuitive explanations. We will (mostly) limit ourselves, however, to that which we will need to predict and intuitively understand the spectrum of the Hydrogen Atom from Algebra alone (dispelling the myth of “accidental” degeneracies) and related physics (and myths) important in Quantum Information Theory. The course is indented for Eng. & Physics students wanting a more algebraic and geometric view of (mostly Quantum) Physics, and for Math students wanting to see physical applications of abstract math.