1. Theoretical Physics Textbook: –I.D.Lawrie, “A Unified Grand Tour in Theoretical Physics”, 2 nd ed., IOP (90,02) References: –B.F.Schutz, “Geometrical Methods of Mathematical Physics”,CUP (80) Fun Readings: –M.S.Longair, “Theoretical Concepts in Physics”, CUP (84, 03) –S.Weinberg, “The First Three Minutes”, Basic Books (77) Website: http://ckw.phys.ncku.edu.tw (shuts down on 1 st day of each month)http://ckw.phys.ncku.edu.tw Home work submission: class@ckw.phys.ncku.edu.tw

2. The Grand Tour of Theoretical Physics I.D.Lawrie 1.Introduction: The Ways of Nature 2.Geometry 3.Classical Physics in Galilean and Minkowski Spacetimes 4.General Relativity and Gravitation 5.Quantum Theory 6.Second Quantization and Quantum Field Theory 7.Relativity Wave Equations and Field Theories 8.Forces, Connections and Gauge Fields

3. 9.Interacting Relativistic Field Theories 10.Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics 11.Phase Transitions 12.Unified Gauge Theories of the Fundamental Interactions 13.Solitons and So On 14.The Early Universe 15.An Introduction to String Theory

4. 1. Introduction: The ways of Nature Major theories to be covered: Relativity: Geometry of spacetime; gravitation. Quantum mechanics; quantum field theory. Gauge fields. Statistical mechanics; phase transition. Grand unified gauge theories. Cosmology. Theory of everything: strings & superstrings.

5. K.Popper: Experiments trump theories: e.g., relativity supplants newtonian physics, likewise quantum theory. Our point of view: Understanding of nature is evolutionary. Theories are extended when confronted with new observations. There exists a core of truth that persists. Esthetics. Related themes: Geometry & gauge theories. Quantum field & statistical theories.