Quantum Field Theory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MATH4017 | Mathematical Sciences | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- MATH4017
- School
- Mathematical Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Quantum Field Theory is the study of the quantum dynamics of relativistic particles. The course gives the quantum description of the electrons, photons and other elementary particles, including a discussion of spin, and bosons and fermions. Lectures will provide an introduction to functional integrals, Feynman diagrams, and the standard model of particle physics.
Target Students
Single and Joint Honours students from the School of Mathematical Sciences. Mathematical Physics, Physics and Theoretical Astrophysics, Physics and Theoretical Physics students. MSc students on the Gravity, Particles and Fields programme.
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 21 weeks
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: take-home mathematical exercise, usually less than 12 pages
- 20% Project 1: 15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes questions
- 20% Coursework 2: take-home mathematical exercise, usually less than 12 pages
- 20% Coursework 3: take-home mathematical exercise, usually less than 12 pages.
- 20% Coursework 4: take-home mathematical exercise, usually less than 12 pages
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Thecourse gives an introduction to the basic concepts of quantum field theory and the quantization of the electron and photon fields. Interactions are described by Feynman diagrams, which leads to an overview of the standard model of particle physics.This course, which is in the Quantum Theory Pathway, builds on MATH2013 and MATH3010, supplemented by MATH3018, and provides an overview of relativistic quantum theory that is required for research in high energy physics or quantum gravity. Thecourse will facilitate independent learning by the student and allow study of topics of importance to current research in depth.The assessment is designed to test the learning outcomes of thecourse and encourage engagement with independent reading and understanding key milestones in the material. The project and final coursework test the study of topics studied independently and in greater depth.Learning Outcomes
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
- L1 - demonstrate properties of classical scalar, spinor and gauge fields in Minkowski space;
- L2 - prove results about the formalism of free quantum field theories;
- L3 - investigate properties of the expansion of interacting quantum field theories using perturbation theory, calculating simple examples of the terms of the expansion;
- L4 - describe the various features of the standard model of particle physics;
- L5 - carry out a detailed investigation into one aspect of quantum field theory and present the findings in a form suitable to inform peers.
Conveners
Last updated 07/01/2025.