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Department of Physics and Astronomy

Quantum Field Theory (877F3)

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Quantum Field Theory

Module 877F3

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

In this module, you will learn how to describe the quantum behaviour of relativistic fields and particles using Quantum Field Theory. You will learn how to quantise scalar, vector, and fermion fields, and how to calculate correlation functions and scattering processes in QFT. You will learn how to use symmetry principles to constrain the dynamics of the quantum fields, and how symmetry can be broken spontaneously. You will study perturbation theory and Feynman diagrams, and how to apply them to the computation of cross sections for scattering processes. This module will give you a thorough foundation for further studies in QFT and its applications to particle physics.

Pre-Requisite

Pre-requisite(s):
Level 6: (F3225) Quantum Mechanics 2 [T2]

Module learning outcomes

Give an account of the canonical quantization procedure.

Perform four-vector algebra in Minkowski space.

Derive Euler-Lagrange equations for a field theory.

Appreciate how transition amplitudes and basic Feynman graphs are computed.

TypeTimingWeighting
Unseen ExaminationSemester 1 Assessment40.00%
Coursework60.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Problem SetT1 Week 3 33.00%
Problem SetT1 Week 7 33.00%
Problem SetT1 Week 10 34.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Matthias Keller

Convenor
/profiles/178720

Prof Sebastian Jaeger

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/242819

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