FY809: Quantum Field Theory
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
- Have knowledge of the courses of a Bachelor's degree programme in physics or mathematics, in particular classical mechanics, electrodynamics, special relativity and quantum physics (corresponding to the course FY803: Quantum physics).
Course introduction
- Give the skills to use advanced techniques in quantum field theory.
- Give competence to critically interpret the results of the experiments at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) Geneva.
- Give knowledge and understanding of elements of quantum field theory, in particular quantum electrodynamics, quantum chromodynamics and weak interactions, which constitute the interactions of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
Knowledge
- Know advanced techniques in quantum field theory.
Skills
- Use advanced techniques, in quantum field theory, in particular, to:
- Derive the Feynman rules for bosons and fermions.
- Compute tree-level and radiative corrections for, e.g. e+ e- in μ+ μ-.
- Compute the renormalization of the electromagnetic, weak and strong charge.
Competences
- Analyze theories beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.
- Critically interpret the results of the experiments at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) Geneva.
Content
- The Klein Gordon and Dirac Fields.
- Feynman Diagrams.
- The Gauge Principle.
- Quantum Electrodynamics and associated elementary processes.
- Path integral and renormalization.
Literature
- M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder: An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Addison-Wesley Advanced Book Program (now Perseus Book).
- F. Mandl and G. Shaw: Quantum Field Theory, Wiley.
- Michele Maggiore: A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Oxford Univ. Press, USA.
- Mark Srednicki: Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge Univ. Press.
- Schwartz, Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Cambridge Univ. Press.
See itslearning for syllabus lists and additional literature references.
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Tests
Oral exam
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Duration
Examination aids
ECTS value
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model, ie. intro, training and study phase. These teaching activities are reflected in an estimated allocation of the workload of an average student as follows:
- Intro phase (lectures, class lessons) - 56 hours
- Training phase: 28 hours, including 28 hours tutorials
Main principles and techniques are presented in the lectures. In spring 2022, the lectures will be mostly online with the possibility to have them taped so that they can be watched later as well.
Problem sheets and final projects train the understanding of the principles and the application of the techniques. This will be discussed in the tutorials.
If there are less than 12 students enrolled, the course will be taught as study group with unchanged pensum and 46 scheduled hours.
Study phase activities:
- Read the relevant parts in the course book, solve problem sheets, and work on final projects
- Course
book: M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder: An Introduction to Quantum Field
Theory, Addison-Wesley Advanced Book Program (now Perseus Book). - Additional
Literature: F. Mandl and G. Shaw, Quantum Field Theory, Wiley. Michele
Maggiore, A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Oxford Univ.
Press, USA . Mark Srednicki, Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge Univ.
Press. Schwartz, Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Cambridge
Univ. Press.