2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS5420M Quantum Field Theory

15 creditsClass Size: 35

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

PHYS3543 and PHYS3382 are recommended

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.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:

1. Classical field theory
2. Canonical quantisation of fields
3. Path integrals and path integral quantisation
4. Calculation of physical processes through Feynman diagrams
5. Renormalisation

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

Syllabus

- Functional methods
- Classical field theory
- Canonical field quantisation
- Free and interacting quantum fields
- Perturbation theory
- Path integral quantisation
- Renormalisation

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Independent online learning hours			22.00
Private study hours			106.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- Reading lecture notes and recommended texts
- Solving problems

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular short exercises

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Regular Coursework	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Resits will be in standard exam format.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/03/2024 15:09:30

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