MSc in Theoretical Physics, King's College London

London Integrability Journal Club
21 May 202008:35
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe transcript highlights the rich history and current endeavors of the theoretical physics group at King's College London. It emphasizes the group's focus on long-term impact in theoretical physics, with research interests spanning supersymmetry, string theory, and quantum properties of black holes. The group's collaborative and supportive environment is showcased, along with the opportunities for students to transition from MSC courses to PhD programs. The narrative also underscores the benefits of being part of the London Triangle community, offering extensive research opportunities and interactions with leading researchers in the field.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Theoretical physics at Kings has a rich history, dating back to Maxwell's formulation of electromagnetism in 1863.
  • 🌟 Gauge symmetry, a concept from Maxwell's work, was integral to the development of Yang-Mills theory and special relativity.
  • 🕒 General relativity, developed by Einstein in 1915, wasn't fully accepted as a physical theory until the mid-1950s, largely due to the work of Felix Pirani and Hermann Bondi.
  • 🔬 The work of Pirani and Bondi laid the groundwork for the detection of gravitational waves, as famously accomplished by LIGO.
  • 🎓 The theory group at Kings traces its origins to 1978 and has since focused on supersymmetry and string theory.
  • 🏆 The group consists of 11 permanent members, all leading experts in their respective fields, contributing to the advancement of theoretical physics.
  • 🔍 Current research interests include quantum properties of black holes, fundamental theory of strings and branes, and quantum field theories.
  • 📈 The MSC course in theoretical physics at Kings bridges the gap between undergraduate studies and high-energy physics, cosmology, and general relativity research.
  • 💼 The course aims to prepare students for a PhD in theoretical physics, with many progressing from the MSC to the PhD program.
  • 🌐 Being part of Kings means being part of the London Triangle community, offering extensive research opportunities and networking through various events and seminars.
  • 📊 The department at Kings is known for its supportive environment, fostering intellectual growth and providing a platform for students to establish their careers in theoretical physics.
Q & A

  • What significant contribution did Maxwell make to the field of theoretical physics?

    -Maxwell formulated the equations of electromagnetism in 1863, which laid the foundation for future developments in theoretical physics, including special relativity and gauge symmetry.

  • How did gauge symmetry emerge in theoretical physics?

    -Gauge symmetry was an aspect contained within Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism and later became embodied in Yang-Mills theory.

  • When was general relativity formulated by Einstein?

    -General relativity was formulated by Einstein in 1915.

  • What changed the perception of general relativity as a proper physical theory?

    -The change in perception of general relativity as a proper physical theory occurred in the mid-1950s, largely due to the work of Felix Pirani and Hermann Bondi, who explained how to measure the physical effects of gravity waves.

  • How does the theory group at Kings trace its origins?

    -The theory group at Kings can be traced back to 1978, when it began working on supersymmetry and later string theory.

  • What are some of the cornerstone subjects the theory group at Kings has contributed to?

    -The theory group at Kings has contributed to subjects such as maximal super gravity theories, conformal invariants of large classes of four-dimensional quantum field theories, the theory of multiple M2-branes, and early quantum properties of supersymmetric theories.

  • What is the aim of the theory group at Kings?

    -The aim of the group is to discover long-term changes in theoretical physics rather than chasing short-term trends.

  • What is the main goal of the MSC course in theoretical physics at Kings?

    -One of the main goals of the MSC course is to prepare students so that they can undertake a PhD in theoretical physics.

  • How does the MSC course bridge the gap between undergraduate studies and research?

    -The MSC course bridges the gap by reflecting the interests of the staff and covering advanced topics in high-energy physics, cosmology, and general relativity, thus preparing students for research in these areas.

  • What kind of support does King's provide for its PhD students?

    -King's provides a supportive and integrated environment for PhD students, with diverse knowledge and experience from faculty, opportunities to attend events across London, and connections to help students build a strong foundation for their career.

  • How do students and faculty interact within the theoretical physics group at King's?

    -Students and faculty interact through various activities such as research talks, journal clubs, lunchtime seminars, and social events, creating an intellectually stimulating environment and breaking down barriers for open discussion.

  • What is the benefit of being part of the London Triangle community for students at King's?

    -Being part of the London Triangle community provides students with access to a large city-wide network, including seminars, graduate lecture series, and the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of experienced researchers and academics.

Outlines
00:00
📚 The Legacy of Theoretical Physics at King's

This paragraph discusses the rich history of theoretical physics at King's, tracing back to Maxwell's formulation of electromagnetism in 1863. It highlights the evolution of theoretical physics, including the development of special relativity, general relativity, and gauge symmetry leading to Yang-Mills theory. The narrative emphasizes the pivotal role of Felix Pirani and Hermann Bondi in establishing general relativity as a legitimate physical theory in the mid-20th century. The paragraph also outlines the current focus of the theory group at King's, which includes supersymmetry, string theory, and various other cutting-edge topics in theoretical physics. The group's aim to contribute to long-term advancements in the field is stressed, as well as the preparation of students for PhD programs.

05:01
🎓 Nurturing Future Researchers and Theoretical Physicists at King's

This paragraph delves into the supportive environment at King's for students pursuing their PhDs in theoretical physics. It describes the transition from undergraduate studies to high-energy physics, cosmology, and general relativity research. The paragraph emphasizes the diverse knowledge and experience within the King's community, which aids in problem-solving from multiple perspectives. The student speaker shares their personal journey, from initial apprehensions to feeling confident and prepared for their career. The paragraph also discusses the importance of networking and making a name in the scientific community, which King's facilitates effectively. Being part of the London Triangle community is highlighted as a significant advantage, offering numerous research opportunities and interactions with leading researchers in the field.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Theoretical Physics
Theoretical physics is a field of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions to explain physical phenomena. In the video, it is highlighted as having a long history at Kings, with foundational work by Maxwell and further developments in special relativity and general relativity. Theoretical physics is central to the video's theme as it underscores the historical and ongoing research at the institution.
💡Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and involves the interaction of electric and magnetic fields. In the context of the video, Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism are noted as a foundational work that laid the groundwork for future developments in theoretical physics. This concept is crucial as it demonstrates the historical significance of the field at Kings and its role in shaping modern physics.
💡Special Relativity
Special relativity is a theory in physics proposed by Albert Einstein, which addresses the behavior of objects in the absence of gravitational forces and at constant speeds close to the speed of light. In the video, special relativity is mentioned as a key development that emerged from the principles of electromagnetism, leading to further advancements in theoretical physics, including general relativity.
💡General Relativity
General relativity is a theory of gravitation developed by Albert Einstein, which describes the gravitational force as a curvature of spacetime caused by mass. In the video, it is noted that general relativity was not widely accepted as a proper physical theory until the mid-1950s, following the work of Felix Pirani and Hermann Bondi from Kings. This theory is central to the video's narrative as it showcases the institution's contribution to the acceptance and development of a fundamental theory in physics.
💡Gauge Symmetry
Gauge symmetry is a fundamental concept in theoretical physics that allows for the transformation of equations without changing their physical predictions. In the video, gauge symmetry is mentioned as a crucial component of Maxwell's equations and later became an integral part of Yang-Mills theory, which is foundational for the development of modern particle physics.
💡Yang-Mills Theory
Yang-Mills theory is a theoretical framework in particle physics that describes the strong and weak nuclear forces, two of the four fundamental forces of nature. In the video, it is mentioned as a development that emerged from the gauge symmetry found in Maxwell's equations, highlighting the continuous evolution of theoretical physics at Kings.
💡Supersymmetry
Supersymmetry is a theoretical concept in particle physics that proposes a relationship between two fundamental classes of particles: bosons and fermions. In the video, supersymmetry is mentioned as an area of research that the theory group at Kings began working on, indicating the institution's engagement with cutting-edge theoretical physics.
💡String Theory
String theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. In the video, string theory is identified as another key area of research for the theory group at Kings, showcasing the institution's focus on fundamental theoretical questions in physics.
💡Quantum Field Theories
Quantum field theories are mathematical frameworks that describe the behavior of particles and fields at the quantum level. In the video, the quantum properties of black holes and the quest for exact quantities in quantum field theories are mentioned, indicating the depth and breadth of research interests within the theory group at Kings.
💡PhD in Theoretical Physics
A PhD in theoretical physics is a postgraduate research degree focused on advancing knowledge in the field of theoretical physics through original research and the development of new theories or models. In the video, the aim of the theory group is to prepare students for a PhD in theoretical physics, emphasizing the educational mission of the institution and its commitment to nurturing future physicists.
💡London Triangle Community
The London Triangle Community refers to a collaboration between three major research institutions in London, providing a platform for academic exchange and research collaboration. In the video, being part of the London Triangle Community is highlighted as a significant benefit for students and researchers at Kings, offering access to a broader academic network and resources.
💡Research Opportunities
Research opportunities refer to the availability of positions, projects, or funding that allow individuals to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. In the video, the research opportunities at Kings are emphasized, showcasing the institution's commitment to providing a stimulating environment for PhD students to interact with the wider community and develop their careers.
Highlights

The long history of theoretical physics at Kings, starting with Maxwell in 1863.

Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism laid the foundation for future developments in theoretical physics, including special relativity and gauge symmetry.

Gauge symmetry in Maxwell's work later became embodied in Yang-Mills theory.

Special relativity led to the development of general relativity by Einstein in 1915.

General relativity was not considered a proper physical theory until the mid-1950s.

Felix Pirani and Hermann Bondi from Kings explained how to measure the physical effects of gravity, contributing to the understanding of general relativity.

The recent discovery of direct gravity waves by LIGO is underpinned by the work of Pirani and Bondi.

The theory group at Kings traces its roots back to 1978, working on supersymmetry and string theory.

Key developments in theoretical physics, such as maximal super gravity theories and the conformal invariants of quantum field theories, were found at Kings.

The theory group consists of 11 permanent members, all world experts in their fields, with interests in supersymmetry, string theory, and quantum properties of black holes.

The group aims to make long-term changes in theoretical physics rather than following short-term trends.

The MSC course in theoretical physics bridges the gap between undergraduate studies and high-energy physics, cosmology, and general relativity research.

Courses at Kings cover topics such as supersymmetry, black holes, string theory, and space-time structure.

There is an individually supervised summer research project for students.

King's supports students in setting up research talks and provides a supportive environment for academic growth.

King's is an excellent place for a PhD due to its close-knit and integrated group structure.

Students at King's benefit from a diverse range of knowledge and experience within the group, leading to multifaceted problem-solving.

King's supports students in making a name for themselves within the wider academic community.

Being part of King's means being part of the London Triangle community, providing access to a large city-wide academic network.

King's hosts multiple levels of engagement between students and faculty, including a student-organized PhD journal club.

The department at King's is known for its friendly and intellectually stimulating environment with numerous seminars and interactions.

Transcripts

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