- Docente: Michele Cicoli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: FIS/02
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Physics (cod. 9245)
-
from Sep 16, 2025 to Dec 19, 2025
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 based on a slide presentation on a topic chosen by the student followed by theory questions.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the corresponding University Office in advance ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.
Office hours
See the website of Michele Cicoli