2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS5380M Quantum Field Theory

15 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Robert Purdy
Email: r.purdy@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

PHYS3381 and PHYS3510 are recommended

Module replaces

PHYS5150M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

At the end of this module you should be able to understand, explain and apply to simple problems all the basic principles, building blocks, tools and concepts of QFT.

- Principles/background: Lagrange/Hamilton equations and basic QM.
- Building blocks: Second quantisation, Schroedinger Picture, Interaction Picture, time evolution.
- Tools: Perturbation theory, Dyson series, commutation/anticommutation relations, diagonalisation.
- Concepts: bosons, fermions, creation, anihilation, interactions, Feynman diagrams, mean field.

Learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles, building blocks, tools and concepts of QFT;
Demonstrate an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics, along with their application to a variety of areas in physics, some of which are at (or are informed by) the forefront of the discipline;
Solve advanced problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools;
Use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour and interpret mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena;
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.

Skills outcomes
- Ability to apply advanced mathematical methods to physical problems.
- Ability to grasp a complex body of ideas.

Syllabus

- Review of classical mechanics, classical fields and relevant quantum mechanics
- QFT of the free electromagnetic field
- Interaction of light and matter
- Second quantisation of matter fields
- Quantum electrodynamics
- Particles interacting amongst themselves
- Issues in QFT: renormalisation and vacuum energy.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Tutorial	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

11 sets of problems for tutorials: 22 hours;
Reading and assimilation: 66 hours;
Examination preparation: 29 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly discussion in tutorials on problems designed to reinforce and complement lecture material.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/03/2017

Disclaimer

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