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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Physics and Astronomy : Postgraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy)

Postgraduate Course: Modern Quantum Field Theory (PGPH11094)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Physics and Astronomy CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThe 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.
Course description - Path Integrals for quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, Green's functions and generating functionals for free scalar fields
- Interacting scalar fields, Feynman rules/diagrams, connected and one-particle-irreducible Green's functions
- Spectral functions, in/out states, reduction formulae (LSZ formalism), S-matrix
- One loop Feynman diagrams for scalar theories, divergencies, dimensional regularisation, renormalisation, renormalisation group, beta- and gamma- functions, Landau poles, infra red and ultra-violet fixed points
- Path integrals for fermions, Grassmann variables, Yukawa interactions
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites Students MUST also take: Relativistic Quantum Field Theory (PHYS11021)
It is RECOMMENDED that students also take Quantum Theory (PHYS11019)
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Understand the notion of a path integral in quantum mechanics and field theory and the connection between the path integral formalism and the operator (scattering) formalism.
  2. Understand perturbation theory, Feynman rules and diagrams from the path integral viewpoint.
  3. Be familar with the problem of ultraviolet divergencies in quantum field theories and renormalisation
  4. Understand the origin of infrared divergences in quantum field theories with massless degrees of freedom
  5. Be familiar with renormalization in a variety of QFTs including scalar field theories, as well as Yukawa and gauge filed theories.
Learning Resources
``An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory,'' M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, Addison-Wesley, 1996.
``Quantum Field Theory," M. Srednicki, Cambridge University Press, 2007.
``Introduction to Gauge Field Theory'', D. Bailin and A. Love, Adam Hilger, 1986.
``Quantum Field Theory'', L.H. Ryder, Cambridge University Press, 1985.
``Gauge Theory of Elementary Particle Physics,'' T.P. Cheng and L.F. Li, Oxford, 1984.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsMQFT
Contacts
Course organiserProf Einan Gardi
Tel: (0131 6)50 6469
Email: Einan.Gardi@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Wendy Hisbent
Tel: (0131 6)50 5783
Email: w.hisbent@ed.ac.uk
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