- Department: Mathematics
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
The module introduces 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.
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Mathematics and Physics: recommended Quantum Mechanics (Physics PHY00072H) or Quantum Mechanics (Mathematics MAT00096H)
Physics students can take this module as an elective, subject to case-by-case permission by the lecturer.
MSc students or students wishing to take this as an elective should be familiar with:
The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of Classical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Special Relativity, including the use of index notation for spacetime
Maxwell’s equations
Post-requisite modules:
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
The module introduces 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.
By the end of this module students will be able to:
Work with the formulation of relativistic field theory.
Use CCR and CAR relations as applicable in quantum field theory.
Work with the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, the related quantum fields and their symmetries
Classical field theory, Lagrangian formulation
Quantisation of the real and complex scalar fields, the Dirac field
Symmetries and conservation laws; Noether’s theorem
Simple examples of interaction in quantum field theory
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
None
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Current Department policy on feedback is available in the student handbook. Coursework and examinations will be marked and returned in accordance with this policy.
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)