Symmetry, broken symmetry, and topology in modern physics : a first course Mike Guidry, Yang Sun.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Some properties of groups -- Introduction to Lie groups -- Permutation groups -- Electrons on periodic lattices -- The rotation group -- Classification of Lie algebras -- Unitary and special unitary groups -- SU(3) flavor symmetry -- Harmonic oscillators and SU(3) -- SU(3) matrix elements -- Introduction to non-compact groups -- The Lorentz group -- Lorentz-covariant fields -- Poincaré invariance -- Gauge invariance -- Spontaneous symmetry breaking -- The Higgs mechanism -- The standard model -- Dynamical symmetry -- Generalized coherent states -- Restoring symmetry by projection -- Quantum phase transitions -- Topology, manifolds, and metrics -- Topological solitons -- Geometry and Gauge theories -- Geometrical phases -- Topology of the quantum Hall effect -- Topological matter -- Angular momentum recoupling -- Nuclear Fermion dynamical symmetry -- Superconductivity and superfluidity -- Current algebra -- Grand unified theories.

"Written for use in teaching and for self-study, this book provides a comprehensive and pedagogical introduction to groups, algebras, geometry, and topology. It assimilates modern applications of these concepts, assuming only an advanced undergraduate preparation in physics. It provides a balanced view of group theory, Lie algebras, and topological concepts, while emphasizing a broad range of modern applications such as Lorentz and Poincaré invariance, coherent states, quantum phase transitions, the quantum Hall effect, topological matter, and Chern numbers, among many others. An example-based approach is adopted from the outset, and the book includes worked examples and informational boxes to illustrate and expand on key concepts. 344 homework problems are included, with full solutions available to instructors, and a subset of 172 of these problems have full solutions available to students"--