Physics 859 - Intro to Gauge Theory

In this course we study gauge theories and their quantum dynamics, primarily in four dimensions. We begin with electrodynamics, its quantum observables, electromagnetic duality, and Higgsing and confinement (superconductivity). We then generalize to Yang-Mills theory, studying asymptotic freedom, solitons, the theta angle, instantons, and chiral anomalies. Other topics will be discussed if time permits, including but not limited to chiral symmetry breaking, exact results in supersymmetric gauge theories, lower-dimensional, higher-form, and discrete gauge theories, lattice gauge theories, and large N techniques.