Undergraduate Course: Modern Quantum Field Theory (PHYS11047)
Course Outline
School |
School of Physics and Astronomy |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Year 5 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
Home subject area |
Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) |
Other subject area |
None |
Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
Course description |
The course introduces path integral methods in quantum field theory. This modern approach (as opposed to canonical quantisation) allows the relatively simple quantisation of gauge theories and forms an essential tool for the understanding and development of the 'standard model' of particle physics. Topics include: Path integral formalism, Feynman rules, LSZ formalism, loop diagrams and divergencies, regularisation and renormalisation, gauge theories, running coupling constant. |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites |
None |
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
No |
Course Delivery Information
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Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: None |
Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | 12:10 - 13:00 | | | | | King's Buildings | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | 12:10 - 13:00 | |
First Class |
Week 1, Monday, 12:10 - 13:00, Zone: King's Buildings. SUPA Room |
Exam Information |
Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours:Minutes |
Stationery Requirements |
Comments |
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 2:00 | 1 x 12 sides | |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course it is intended that a student will be able to:
1) understand the notion of a path integral in quantum mechanics and field theory;
2) be familar with Grassmann numbers and their use for fermions in path integrals;
3) understand the connection between the path integral formalism and the operator (scattering) formalism;
4) understand perturbation theory and appreciate Feynmann rules and diagrams from the path integral viewpoint;
5) be familar with the problem of divergencies in quantum field theories and the renormalisation method;
6) appreciate the beauty of asymptotic freedom of the running coupling constant in non-abelian gauge theories leading to a theory of strong interactions - QCD;
7) to be able to apply what has been learnt in the course to solving simple problems in quantum field theory. |
Assessment Information
100% Degree Examination |
Special Arrangements
None |
Additional Information
Academic description |
Not entered |
Syllabus |
Not entered |
Transferable skills |
Not entered |
Reading list |
Not entered |
Study Abroad |
Not entered |
Study Pattern |
Not entered |
Keywords |
MQFT |
Contacts
Course organiser |
Dr Roger Horsley
Tel: (0131 6)50 6481
Email: rhorsley@ph.ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Paula Wilkie
Tel: (0131) 668 8403
Email: paw@roe.ac.uk |
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 8:14 am
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