FY809: Quantum Field Theory

The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses of a Bachelor's degree programme in physics or mathematics and FY803 (Quantum physics).

Students taking the course are expected to:

• 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).

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:
1. Derive the Feynman rules for bosons and fermions.
2. Compute tree-level and radiative corrections for, e.g. e+ e- in μ+ μ-.
3. 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.

• 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.

Planned lessons: 
Total number of planned lessons: 84
Hereof: 
Common lessons in classroom/auditorium 84 
 
Main principles and techniques are presented in the lectures. 
Problem sheets and final projects train the understanding of the principles and the application of the techniques. This will be discussed during the teaching.
 
If there are less than 12 students enrolled, the course will be taught as study group with unchanged pensum and 46 scheduled hours. 

Other planned teaching 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.