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 |
|
|
| 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. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Course Delivery Information
|
| 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 |
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 |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Roger Horsley
Tel: (0131 6)50 6481
Email: rhorsley@ph.ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Linda Grieve
Tel: (0131 6)50 5254
Email: linda.grieve@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:35 am
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