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I am currently struggling to understand what directions theoretical physics takes after one has studied special and general relativity and a standard course in quantum mechanics.

Assuming one comes from mathematics background (ie no background reading in mathematics needed) and that one has studied:

  • Classical Mechanics
  • Hamiltonian and Lagrangian Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Special Relativity
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • General Relativity
  • Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

What are the directions of theoretical physics post this point. So potentially in what order would you learn:

  • Quantum Field Theory
  • String Theory(s)
  • Standard Model
  • Supersymmetry
  • Loop Quantum Gravity/ Quantum Gravity
  • M-Theory
Gold
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Trajan
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1 Answers1

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1) Quantum Field Theory --> Quantum mechanics + special relativity, fields as fundamental entities, particles as excitations of fields.

2) Standard Model --> The Quantum Field Theory describing (good part of) our universe, but no gravitation

3) Supersymmetry --> Possible extension of Standard Model, still no gravity.

4) Supergravity --> Extension of Standard Model, with gravity. Low energy limit of string theory.

5) Quantum Gravity --> gravity and quantum relevant at the same time. It's worth having a look at the Hamiltonian formalism and first attempts to quantize gravity.

5a) String Theory(s), M-Theory --> Viable quantum gravity theory (M-theory is usually introduced after String theory, for pedagogical and practical reasons)

5b) Loop Quantum Gravity --> Viable quantum gravity theory

5a and 5b can be taken in any order.

Rexcirus
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