Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: College Courses

Meeting: 6:00PM - 6:50PM M (12-JAN-2026 - 24-APR-2026) 

Part of Term: Full Term - No WL Purge

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Method of Instruction: Face to Face

Credit Hours: 1

 

Section Max Enrollment: 19

Section Enrolled: 19

Waitlisted: 10 (Max 99) 

Current members of the waitlist have priority for available seats.

Enrollment data as of: 25-NOV-2025 3:34AM

 

 

Final Exam: No Final Exam

 

Description: Have you ever wondered whether physics can provide a theory that describes everything as we know of the universe and reality itself? Every intellectual endeavor: physics, chemistry, biology, coming from a single theory? If so, this is for you! This course provides a conceptual and practical introduction to String Theory, one of the most ambitious and mathematically rich frameworks in modern physics. Over the past century, physics has successfully described nature on the largest scales through General Relativity and on the smallest scales through Quantum Mechanics. Yet, attempts to merge these two pillars into a consistent theory of quantum gravity encounter major challenges: our usual ways of quantizing a theory give nonphysical answers, pointing to the need for new ideas. String Theory arises as a leading candidate for a “Theory of Everything,” proposing that the fundamental constituents of nature are not point particles but vibrating strings. Although still a developing field, String Theory has already generated powerful tools and insights that extend far beyond its original scope, shaping research in cosmology, particle physics, black hole physics, and mathematics. At the heart of the course lies an essential question: Can String Theory unify the fundamental forces of nature, and what can its methods reveal even if it is not the final answer? Students will explore foundational concepts, applications, and open questions with clarity and rigor. Each week will include a short practice problem to reinforce the lecture material. The course is designed for students to engage with the beauty of String Theory in a low-pressure environment that prioritizes exploration and understanding over grades. It is open to any student with basic background in mechanics (PHYS 101, 111, or 125) and electromagnetism (PHYS 102, 112, or 126).