Important notice
The course guide is provisional.
The PDF version of the course guide may take a few days to become available in the DDD.
Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Code: 44082Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology | OP | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Joaquim Matias Espona
- Email :
- joaquim.matias@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Joaquim Matias Espona
- Pere Masjuan Queralt
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
It is recommended to have followed the course of introduction to Quantum Field Theory of the Master, or at least basic courses on Quantum Field Theory during the undergrate courses.
Objectives
The main goal of the course is twofold: 1) on one side, to develop a different approach to Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory based on the Path Integral approach and 2) on the other, to understand and be proficient in the renormalization of a theory. This is a fundamental requisite to arrive to any physical result involving loop diagrams. Besides understanding the concept and renormalization procedure we will focus on its interaction with symmetries and we will conclude by establishing the renormalization group equations.
Learning outcomes
- CA09 (Adapt the techniques of functional methods, renormalization, symmetries and gauge theories for the advanced study of quantum field theories.) Adapt the techniques of functional methods, renormalization, symmetries and gauge theories for the advanced study of quantum field theories.
- KA13 (Identify the foundations of functional formalism in quantum field theory and its applications in current lines of research.) Identify the foundations of functional formalism in quantum field theory and its applications in current lines of research.
- SA28 (Apply the fundamentals of functional formalism in quantum field theory.) Apply the fundamentals of functional formalism in quantum field theory.
- SA29 (Apply renormalization mechanisms systematically in quantum field theory.) Apply renormalization mechanisms systematically in quantum field theory.
- SA30 (Apply advanced aspects of renormalization and symmetry in quantum field theory.) Apply advanced aspects of renormalization and symmetry in quantum field theory.
- SA31 (Perform calculations of transition amplitudes from the Farmers of effective theories.) Perform calculations of transition amplitudes from the Farmers of effective theories.
- SA32 (Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to delve into the functional methods in advanced quantum field theory.) Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to delve into the functional methods in advanced quantum field theory.
Contents
Functional Methods
1.1 Path Integral in Quantum Mechanics.1.2 Functional Quantization and Path Integral in Quantum Field Theory: scalars, fermions and gauge fields
1.3 Symmetries in the functional formalism language
Renormalization Theory
2.1 Ultraviolet Divergences, conceptual meaning.2.2 Classification of theories according to their renormalization properties
2.2 Renormallzed perturbation theory
Renormalization and symmetry
3.1 Spontaneus Symmetry Breaking and linear sigma model: how they should be renormalized.Aspects of non abelian gauge theories
Renormalization Group Equations
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory lectures | 45 | 1.8 | CA09, SA28, SA30 |
| Study of theoretical concepts and solution of exercises | 82 | 3.28 | CA09, KA13, SA28, SA29, SA30, SA31, SA32 |
The course will be organized in teaching lectures where the theory of Path Integrals and Renormalization will be developed in full detail.
Students will be encouraged to ask questions during the theory lectures but they also will be asked questions.
Along the lectures a list of problems will be proposed.
It is recommended to follow the course daily including work at home to fully profit and completely understand the concepts discussed.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active participation in class | 10% | 2 | 0.08 | CA09, KA13 |
| Delivery of Solved Problems | 40% | 15 | 0.6 | CA09, KA13, SA28, SA29, SA30, SA31, SA32 |
| Recovery Exam | 50% | 3 | 0.12 | SA28, SA29, SA30, SA31 |
| Final Exam | 50% | 3 | 0.12 | SA28, SA29, SA30, SA31 |
The evaluation of the course will consist of three blocks:
- A written exam that will count 50% of the note, and with the right to a recovery exam (for 50%).
- Deliveries of problems will be proposed that will count the remaining 40% of the mark.
- Attendance and active participation in class will count 10% of the mark.
This subject/module does not foresee the single assessment system.
Restricted Use of AI: “For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, text proofreading, or translations. Their use is strictly prohibited for solving problems included in coursework submissions. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools have influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Failure to disclose the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total penalty in the activity’s grade, or more severe disciplinary sanctions in serious cases.”
Bibliography
M. Peskin and D. Schroeder, An introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Lewis H. Ryder, Quantum Field Theory.
Stefan Pokorski, Gauge Field Theories.
C. Itzykson and J. Zuber, Quantum Field Theory
Ta-Pei Cheng and Ling-Fong Li, Gauge theory of elementary particle physics.
Software
No software required.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | English | second semester | morning-mixed |