94253 - Supersymmetry

Learning outcomes

This course gives a comprehensive introduction to the basic concepts of simple and extended supersymmetric quantum field theories. At the end of the course the students will gain a a solid knowledge of both theoretical foundations and phenomenological implications of supersymmetric models. In particular they will acquire the tools necessary to understand modern mechanisms of spontaneous supersymmetry breaking, supergravity and string theory.

Course contents

1) Physical motivation for supersymmetry

2) Supersymmetry algebra and representations

3) Superfields and superspace

4) Four-dimensional supersymmetric Lagrangians

5) Spontaneous supersymmetry breaking

6) The Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model

7) Basics of supergravity

8) Kaluza-Klein theories and extra-dimensions

9) Basics of string theory and string compactifications

Readings/Bibliography

1) Lecture notes of the course "Supersymmetry and Extra dimensions" by Fernando Quevedo:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1011.1491.pdf

2) Lecture notes of the course "A Supersymmetry primer" by Stephen P. Martin:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-ph/9709356.pdf

3) Lecture notes on "An Introduction to Supergravity" by D. G. Cerdeno and C. Munoz:

https://pos.sissa.it/001/011/pdf

4) "Supersymmetry and Supergravity", Wess and Bagger

5) "Weak scale Supersymmetry", Baer and Tata

6) "A first course in String Theory", Barton Zwiebach

Teaching methods

Standard blackboard lectures

Assessment methods

Oral interview

Office hours

See the website of Michele Cicoli