Module description
Syllabus
Classical field theory: Lagrangian; Hamiltonian; symmetries; Noether's theorem. Relativistic wave equations: Klein-Gordon equation; Dirac equation; Maxwell equations. Non-Abelian gauge fields. Free field theory: quantisation of scalar, Fermion, and Maxwell fields; Fock spaces; normal ordering; time ordering; Feynman propagators. Interactions: perturbation theory; Wick’s theorem; Feynman diagrams; regularization.Cross-sections.
Prerequisites
Before taking this module you are advised to have knowledge and experience of the topics covered in the syllabus for 5CCM231A Classical Dynamics, 5CCP2380 Electromagnetism, 6CCM331A Special Relativity & Electromagnetism,
Assessment details
2 hour written examination.
Semester 1 only students will be set an alternative assessment in lieu of in-person exams in January.
Full year students will complete the standard assessment.
Educational aims & objectives
To provide basic foundational material in quantum field theory.
Teaching pattern
Two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week throughout the term