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Selected Topics in Theoretical Physics |
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This PhD-level course offers an overview of a selection of recent theoretical advances from high-energy physics, astrophysics, and mathematical physics to solid-state, soft-matter, and medical physics. Each consists of a broad and general introduction which then zooms in on the topic in question, typically in two 4-hour sessions. Lecturers include faculty, visiting professors, and specialists from research institutes in Ljubljana. The enrolled students should attend at least 70% of the classes, to participate in the discussions, and to try to use the ideas presented for their own research projects. In the final consultation with the lecturer, they are expected to reflect upon the possible use of the acquired knowledge and techniques in their work, and to single out the most helpful parts of the course. The students are expected to turn in a written 2-3 page essay containing these reflections before the consultation. The classes are Wednesdays from 10.00 to 14.00 in the F6 lecture room. The course is in English and is open to observers, that is non-enrolled students and everybody else interested in a particular topic or in the whole course. 2019/20 program: October 2 and 9: D. De Martino (Jozef Stefan Institute), Selected topics in theoretical biophysics: From bacterial growth to neural network learning November 13 and 20: S. Sotiriadis, Out-of-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics December 4: M. Bradac (University of California at Davis), Dark matter and first galaxies light up: Revealing the invisible with gravitational lensing December 18: S. Copar, Geometry of deformations and topological defects in liquid crystals February 19 and 26: J. Fesel Kamenik, Flavor physics within and beyond the standard model March 11 and 18: I. Dorsner (University of Split), Neutrino mass and proton decay via unification April 15 and 22: L. Vidmar (Jozef Stefan Institute), TBA May 13 and 20: A. Siber (Institute of Physics, Zagreb), Physical virology May 27 and June 3: S. Grozdanov, From fluids to quantum chaos through the physics of black holes |