String Theory Course of Study

It is possible to study string theory while enrolled in either the Mathematics or the Physics Ph.D. programs at Duke University. In addition to the core courses required by the department you are enrolled in, the string theory faculty recommends the following course of study:

Fall courses
- Math 253/Physics 293 Representation Theory
- Physics 292/Math 236 General Relativity
- Physics 342 Quantum Field Theory II
Spring courses
- Math 261 Algebraic Topology I
- Math 267 Differential Geometry
- Physics 341 Quantum Field Theory I

Depending on your preparation, there will typically be prerequisites to this course of study, including courses in Quantum Mechanics and in Abstract Algebra.

Note that these are only a minimal set of courses, and the typical string theory student will take additional related courses, including Advanced Quantum Field Theory, Algebraic Geometry, and/or second courses in Algebraic Topology and Differential Geometry.