Patrick Jefferson (UMass Physics): Symmetries in QFT, Part 1

Building on some of the core aspects of QFT that were introduced in the previous several lectures, I will initiate a more focused discussion of symmetries. This discussion will be centered on the global categorical symmetries paradigm that was inspired by the work of Gaiotto, Kapustin, Seiberg and Willet (2015). Where possible, I will try to connect my discussion to relevant mathematics that has been highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to place symmetries on firmer mathematical footing.