PX4121: Quantum Field Theory
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX4121 |
| External Subject Code | 101300 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Bangalore Sathyaprakash |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To provide an understanding of the basics of relativistic quantum field theory, with an emphasis on Quantum Electrodynamics (QED).
To develop and apply perturbative approaches to the calculation of quantum amplitudes.
To introduce quantum loop corrections and analyse physical applications.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the classical foundations of relativistic field theory.
Show an appreciation of the use of creation and annihilation operators in the simple harmonic oscillator problem in the development of a second quantised approach to field theory.
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of gauge symmetry in the interaction between matter and radiation.
Perform calculations on some simple physical scattering processes using Feynman diagrams.
Show insight into the importance of quantum corrections at a basic level.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 22 x 1 hr, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Mathematical skills. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 70 | Quantum Field Theory | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 30 | Quantum Field Theory | N/A |
Syllabus content
Classical Foundations: Classical field theory, Lagrangians, Noether theorem.
Second Quantization: Canonical quantization of scalar fields.
Fermions: Fermions, quantization.
Gauge Fields: Gauge fields and their interactions with matter.
Calculational methods: Perturbation theory and Feynman graphs.
Quantum Corrections: Renormalisation of QED at one loop level, vacuum polarisation, Lamb shift.
Background Reading and Resource List
Gauge Theories in Particle Physics (Volume 1), I J R Aitchison and A J G Hey, (IOP Publishing, Bristol, 2003).
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, M E Peskin and D V Schroeder (Addison Wiley 1995).