FY809: Quantum Field Theory
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to:
- Have knowledge of the
courses of a Bachelor's degree in physics or mathematics, in particular
Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics, Special Relativity and Quantum
physics.
Course introduction
principles of quantum field theory and of the Standard Model of
particles physics which is important in regard to the latest
developments in high energy physics and the interplay of physics and
advanced mathematics.
The course builds on the knowledge acquired in
the courses of a Bachelor's degree in physics or mathematics and FY803
(Quantum physics), and gives an academic basis for studying topics in
high energy physics and the interplay of physics and advanced
mathematics, that are part of the degree.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- 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 Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.See Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Tests
Oral exam
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
Additional information
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
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 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:
- 28 hours
- 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.