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Quantum Field Theory - MAT00048M

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• Department: Mathematics
• Module co-ordinator: Dr. Henning Bostelmann
• Credit value: 10 credits
• Credit level: M
• Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Related modules

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

To introduce relativistic quantum field theory, which is the mathematical framework currently used to describe the fundamental interactions of nature (electromagnetism, weak and strong interactions), excluding gravity.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand the formulation of relativistic field theory.

• Understand the Dirac equation as the equation for electrons and positrons.

• Understand how quantum fields give rise to what we see as particles.

• Have a rough idea about how interactions between particles are described by quantum field theory.

Module content

Syllabus

• Elementary particles and their interactions (brief survey).

• Symmetries and conservation laws; Noether’s theorem.

• Field quantisation and particle interpretation; real or complex scalar fields.

• The Dirac equation.

• Quantisation of the Dirac field.

• Quantisation of the Maxwell field, Interactions.

Assessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Quantum Field Theory	2 hours	100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Quantum Field Theory	2 hours	100

Module feedback

Current Department policy on feedback is available in the student handbook. Coursework and examinations will be marked and returned in accordance with this policy.

Indicative reading

• M E Peskin and D V Schroeder, An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Westview Press (U 0.143 PES)

• M Srednick, Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge University Press

• A Zee, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press 2003 (U 0.143 ZEE)