Physics 616
Quantum Field Theory I
Fall 2006
Home Page: http://www.pa.uky.edu/~gardner/p616/fall06/
MW: 2:00 - 3:15PM, CP 397
Syllabus
Quantum Field Theory I
Fall 2006
Home Page: http://www.pa.uky.edu/~gardner/p616/fall06/
MW: 2:00 - 3:15PM, CP 397
Syllabus
General Information:
Lecturer: Prof. Susan Gardner
Required textbooks:
Recommended textbook:
Office: CP 387B
Phone: 257-4391
E-mail: gardner "@" pa.uky.edu
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday 4:00PM - 5:00 PM and by appointment.
M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder,
An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (1995).
A. Zee, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell (2003).
I.J.R. Aitchison and A.J.G. Hey,
Gauge Theories in Particle Physics , 3rd edition (2003).
Course Description and Prerequisites
Phy 616 is the first part of a two-semester introduction
to quantum field theory. Quantum field theory synthesizes
quantum mechanics and relativity with the field concept familiar
from classical electrodynamics. It was first developed to realize
rigorous, quantitative predictions in particle physics,
though it has grown to provide the basis for much of
modern theoretical physics. We can use quantum field
theory, e.g., to describe elements of critical phenomena in statistical
systems.
The course largely follows Peskin and Schroeder in structure and content,
and uses Zee for far-flung application and inspiration. We refer
to Aitchison and Hey for theoretical fundamentals, which some may already
find familiar, and for basic background in particle physics, since we shall
focus on the development of quantum electrodynamics in Phy 616.
A knowledge of quantum mechanics,
at the level of Physics 614 and 615, is required. Knowledge
of classical electrodynamics at the level of Physics 611 and 613, and of
classical mechanics at the level of Physics 504,
is strongly recommended.
A bevy of texts, of varying sophistication and coverage of
applications, exist in the literature. An annotated
bibliography of them has been included in the course web site.
The course textbooks, as well as selections from the bibliography just
mentioned, have been placed on reserve in the Chem-Phys library.
Course Topics
| Relativistic Covariance |
|---|
| Classical Field Theory |
| The Klein-Gordon Field |
| The Dirac Field |
| Quantization |
| Discrete Symmetries |
| Interacting Fields and Peturbation Theory |
| Feynman Diagrams |
| Elementary Scattering Processes |
| Radiative Corrections |
| Precision Tests of Quantum Electrodynamics |
Note that the course continues into a second semester, via Phy 716, Quantum Field Theory II. That course, taught by Prof. Shapere, will use Peskin and Schroeder as well.
Course Grades
Your grade will be determined in the following manner: from problem sets (60%) and from an oral presentation of a research paper of your choice (40%).
The bulk of the grade in the course is associated with the problem sets, and rightly so. Working significant problem sets is necessary to develop a genuine understanding of the material. You may discuss the problems with others, and even collaborate, but you are required to write out your solutions independently. The problem sets will be issued in approximately two-week intervals, and late work will not be accepted.
In lieu of a final examination, you are asked to choose a research paper(s) of interest to you within the sphere of topics touched upon in Physics 616 (please see me for advice and/or suggestions) and then to present that topic in a 30 minute presentation. [N.B. It is inappropriate to pick a paper which is closely connected to your thesis research.] We will have our presentations at a to-be-scheduled time near the close of the semester.
The bulk of the grade in the course is associated with the problem sets, and rightly so. Working significant problem sets is necessary to develop a genuine understanding of the material. You may discuss the problems with others, and even collaborate, but you are required to write out your solutions independently. The problem sets will be issued in one-two week intervals, and late work will not be accepted. In the event that our class is large, I reserve the right to institute ``die'' homework; that is, for each problem set, the homework problem(s) that are actually graded will be determined by the roll of a die. Note that complete problem set solutions will be available on reserve in the Chem/Phys library.
Examples of excusable absences are (University Senate Rule 5.2.4.2):
It is good for you to discuss the course material with others, but you really must perform all your course work *independently*. You should write out your solutions by yourself, expressing your solutions in your own words. Cheating and plagiarism in tests or exams, indeed, in all aspects of the course, are very serious academic offenses. Violators of the academic code are subject to punishment in accordance to University Senate Rules section 6.3 and 6.4.
On-line Course Evaluation
Course evaluations are an important and mandatory component of our department's instructional management system. The on-line course evaluation system was developed to minimize the loss of classroom time and to allow each student ample time to evaluate each component of the course and its associated instructor, providing meaningful numeric scores and detailed commentary. The evaluation window for Fall 2006 will open on November 16, 2006 and close on December 6, 2006. To access the system during this window, simply go to the Department of Physics & Astronomy web page at http://www.pa.uky.edu/, click on the link for Course Evaluations, and follow the instructions. You will need to use your student ID# to log into the system; this allows us to monitor who has filled out evaluations. However, when you login you will be assigned a random number, so that all you comments and scores will remain anonymous.