An Introduction to String Theory

Slide 4 of 37
<<   [Outline]   >>

I'll be returning to this outline at several points along the way, to help keep us oriented as to where we are in the discussion.

The plan is fairly simple: I'll start by reviewing pretty much all of twentieth century physics, and then explain why we don't think that's the whole story. I'll then introduce string theory, first through its history and then in its most basic mathematical form (but the focus will be on concepts, not equations). I'll spend a few minutes talking about the exciting ideas of T-duality and D-branes, and then wrap up with conclusions and some comments on our hopes for experimental tests of the theory.