Text for advanced courses in group theory focuses on finite groups, with emphasis on group actions. Explores normal and arithmetical structures of groups as well as applications. 679 exercises. 1978 edition.

Text for advanced courses in group theory focuses on finite groups, with emphasis on group actions. Explores normal and arithmetical structures of groups as well as applications. 679 exercises. 1978 edition.

Each chapter ends with a summary of the material covered and notes on the history and development of group theory.

Introduces the richness of group theory to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, concentrating on the finite aspects. Provides a wealth of exercises and problems to support self-study. Additional online resources on more challenging and more specialised topics can be used as extension material for courses, or for further independent study.

This textbook, based on courses taught at Harvard University, is an introduction to group theory and its application to physics. The physical applications are considered as the mathematical theory is developed so that the presentation is unusually cohesive and well-motivated. Many modern topics are dealt with, and there is much discussion of the group SU(n) and its representations. This is of great significance in elementary particle physics. Applications to solid state physics are also considered. This stimulating account will prove to be an essential resource for senior undergraduate students and their teachers.

First year, undergraduate, mathematics students in Japan have for many years had the opportunity of a unique experience---an introduction, at an elementary level, to some very advanced ideas in mathematics from one of the leading mathematicians of the world. English reading students now have the opportunity to enjoy this lively presentation, from elementary ideas to cartoons to funny examples, and to follow the mind of an imaginative and creative mathematician into a world of enduring mathematical creations.

Group theory has long been an important computational tool for physicists, but, with the advent of the Standard Model, it has become a powerful conceptual tool as well. This book introduces physicists to many of the fascinating mathematical aspects of group theory, and mathematicians to its physics applications. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this book gives a comprehensive overview of the main aspects of both finite and continuous group theory, with an emphasis on applications to fundamental physics. Finite groups are extensively discussed, highlighting their irreducible representations and invariants. Lie algebras, and to a lesser extent Kac–Moody algebras, are treated in detail, including Dynkin diagrams. Special emphasis is given to their representations and embeddings. The group theory underlying the Standard Model is discussed, along with its importance in model building. Applications of group theory to the classification of elementary particles are treated in detail.

This book deals with the role played by symmetry in the understanding of the physical world, beginning with the notion of geometric symmetries of the ancient Greek philosophers and mathematicians. The recognition of the existence of symmetries led to the notion of transformations, which led from one state of the system to another. It was then realized that such transformations, under the operation of multiplication, constitute an interesting set, whose study led to the branch of mathematics known as Group Theory. With the emergence of quantum mechanics, this theory became much more interesting and led to some additional applications. The theory got another boost with the need for of the internal degrees of freedom in describing physical systems. This way the notion of symmetry is no longer purely geometric and evolved into a useful tool in the study of all physical sciences.For practical reasons as well as pedagogical reasons, group theory is usually split into two parts. The first deals with discrete groups, with the group elements being countable, usually finite in number, while the second deals with continuous groups, whose elements depend on continuous parameters. This volumefocuses the discussion on discrete groups. Given that group theory should be presented from a unified perspective, involving not only the mathematical rigor and beauty of symmetries, but also the ability to use it as a tool for applications, either currently popular or expected to become so in the future, this approach will surely be more beneficial to the dedicated reader. It is not intended for those who would like to just look up a formula or use the results of a table, without understanding their derivation.

This book quickly introduces beginners to general group theory and then focuses on three main themes : finite group theory, including sporadic groups combinatorial and geometric group theory, including the Bass-Serre theory of groups acting on trees the theory of train tracks by Bestvina and Handel for automorphisms of free groups With its many examples, exercises, and full solutions to selected exercises, this text provides a gentle introduction that is ideal for self-study and an excellent preparation for applications. A distinguished feature of the presentation is that algebraic and geometric techniques are balanced. The beautiful theory of train tracks is illustrated by two nontrivial examples. Presupposing only a basic knowledge of algebra, the book is addressed to anyone interested in group theory: from advanced undergraduate and graduate students to specialists.

This book is addressed to graduate students and research workers in theoretical physics who want a thorough introduction to group theory and Hopf algebras. It is suitable for a one-semester course in group theory or a two-semester course which also treats advanced topics. Starting from basic definitions, it goes on to treat both finite and Lie groups as well as Hopf algebras. Because of the diversity in the choice of topics, which does not place undue emphasis on finite or Lie groups, it should be useful to physicists working in many branches. A unique aspect of the book is its treatment of Hopf algebras in a form accessible to physicists. Hopf algebras are generalizations of groups and their concepts are acquiring importance in the treatment of conformal field theories, noncommutative spacetimes, topological quantum computation and other important domains of investigation. But there is a scarcity of treatments of Hopf algebras at a level and in a manner that physicists are comfortable with. This book addresses this need superbly. There are illustrative examples from physics scattered throughout the book and in its set of problems. It also has a good bibliography. These features should enhance its value to readers. The authors are senior physicists with considerable research and teaching experience in diverse aspects of fundamental physics. The book, being the outcome of their combined efforts, stands testament to their knowledge and pedagogical skills.