Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications

Symmetry is the central organizing principle of modern particle physics, and its mathematical language is that of Lie groups and Lie algebras. This course provides an introduction to these structures for physicists. We will begin with finite groups and Lie groups, then discuss SU(2), SU(3), and SU(N). Topics such as weights and roots, simple roots, the classification of simple Lie algebras, tensor methods, and Young tableaux will be explored in detail. If time permits, we will also discuss the Poincaré group and branching rules.