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MATH4061: ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY IV

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • (QuantumMechanics III (MATH3111) OR Foundations of Physics 3a (PHYS3621)) AND Geometry of Mathematical Physics III (MATH3471).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Particle Theory (PHYS4181).

Aims

  • The module is intended as a first course in Quantum Field Theory, bringing together concepts from Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, Classical Field Theory and Special Relativity.
  • To introduce the basic building blocks of particle physics models including scalar, fermionic and gauge fields and how to extract predictions from them.

Content

  • Relativistic Classical Field Theory.
  • Quantisation of free scalar fields.
  • Interacting quantum fields.
  • Path integrals.
  • Fermionic fields and their quantisation.
  • Gauge fields and their quantisation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Having studied the module students will know the basic principles of quantum field theory and its relevance in modern elementary particle physics.
  • To be able to use the techniques introduced to extract physical predictions from models of particle physics.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Students will be able to apply a variety of advanced techniques in the area of theoretical elementary particle physics.
  • Students will be able to appreciate the requirements of realistic models of elementary particle physics.

Key Skills:

  • The students will have developed the ability to operate in complex and specialised contexts close to the cutting edge of current research.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures422 per week in Michaelmas and Epiphany; 2 in Easter1 Hour42 
Problems Classes8Fortnightly in Michaelmas and Epiphany1 Hour8 
Preparation and Reading150 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written examination3 Hours100 

Formative Assessment

Eight written assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

More information

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