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About course

SI2410 Quantum Field Theory 7.5 credits

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"Quantum Field Theory" is a course in which one should learn functional integral formalisms for quantum field theories. In addition, important examples of quantum field theoretical models in particle physics and condensed matter physics will be discussed. The concepts of renormalization and regularization in quantum field theory will be described and the idea of effective models will be mentioned.

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Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2410 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Symmetries and the Noether's theorem. Path integral formulation of quantum mechanics. Functional integral formulation of quantum field theory. Introduction to perturbation theory for functional integrals. Introduction to renormalization and regularization. Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories. Quantization of gauge theories. Quantum electrodynamics. Quantum chromodynamics. Anomalies in perturbation theory. Gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breaking. Quantization of spontaneously broken gauge theories. Symmetry breaking and Goldstone's theorem. The BCS model. The Higgs mechanism. Mean-field theory and the Hartree-Fock method.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course you should be able to:

  • use functional integrals and perturbation theory in quantum field theory.
  • apply renormalization and regularization with quantum field theory.
  • have knowledge about gauge theories as well as quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics.
  • know spontaneously broken gauge theories as BCS theory and the Higgs model.

Course disposition

No information inserted

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Advanced Quantum Mechanics.
Relativistic Quantum Physics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignments, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Hand in assignments (INL1; 4.5 hp) and an oral exam (TEN1; 3 hp).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Course web SI2410

Offered by

Main field of study

Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Sandhya Choubey (choubey@kth.se)

Supplementary information

Reading course 2012