Introduction to quantum field theory

Objectives:

The main objective of the course is to introduce the students to relativistic quantum field theory as a tool to compute basic scattering processes of elementary particles. The course will convey an understanding of the Standard Model and its components.

Content:

The course is an introduction to quantum field theory as a tool to describe elementary particles and their interactions. Emphasis is put on the relativistic nature of the theory and how symmetries are incorporated. We cover the quantization of fermionic and bosonic particles, putting special emphasis on quantum electrodynamics. Non-abelian gauge theories, such as quantum chromodynamics and electroweak theory, are also covered.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can analyze and interpret the physical implications of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, including their solutions and the role they play in describing relativistic quantum particles.
• is able to derive the Feynman propagator, and describe interactions between elementary particles.
• knows the S-matrix expansion and how to derive Feynman rules for interacting field theories.
• understands the connection between gauge symmetries and interactions of particles.

Skills

The student

• is able to quantize a classical theory of scalars, fermions and photons.
• can derive Feynman rules for interacting field theories.
• can derive the amplitude and cross section for basic scattering processes in quantum electrodynamics.
• can describe the main features of quantum chromodynamics and electroweak theory.

General competence

The student

• can model physical systems by using the Lagrange formalism.
• can use simple calculations to estimate the order of magnitude of physical quantities.
• can relate experiments at CERN to microscopic scattering processes.
• develop collaborative skills through teamwork and peer review.