Field Theory in Particle Physics 1

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4, 5

53541FTI6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator Jordy de Vries
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

This is a joint course of the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University on gauge theories and their applications in particle physics. After an introduction to abelian and non-abelian gauge theories the quantum theory is introduced, primarily within the context of quantum-electrodynamics. Renormalization is discussed as well as dimensional regularization. For quantum-electrodynamics we consider the divergent one-loop diagrams and we explain how to obtain physically relevant results. We discuss the physics of anomalies.  The next topic is the renormaliziation group and the phenomenon of asymptotic freedom. This is a good preparation for a thorough discussion of quantum-chromodynamics. The course is concluded with a discussion of spontaneous symmetry breaking, the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism and electro-weak mixing in the Standard Model.

 

Study materials

Syllabus

  • There are two readers that will be handed out

Objectives

  • Understands principles of global and local symmetry.
  • Can construct locally symmetric actions through covariant derivatives.
  • Can apply different gauge fixing choices, and understands the role of ghost fields.
  • Can draw and compute Feynman diagrams for a variety of Lagrangians.
  • Can use perturbation theory to estimate scattering amplitudes and cross sections.
  • Understands the notion of hidden symmetry.
  • Can compute the number of Goldstone bosons for a variety of symmetry breaking situations.
  • Can derive the Higgs mechanism, and can compute gauge boson masses.
  • Understands the construction of the Standard Model, and how electroweak interactions are described by it.
  • Can compute loop corrections in Feynman diagrams.
  • Comprehends both the notion and the practical application of renormalization theory.
  • Has an overview of how the content of the course fits in the larger research landscape.

Teaching methods

  • Self-study
  • Lecture

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

33

Werkcollege

56

Self study

79

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen 1

    There are homework (25%), midterm (25%), and a final (50%). The homework and midterm only count if they improve your final grade, otherwise it will just be the final grade. The final must at least be a 5. 

    Assignments

    The assignments are made individually. 

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. E.L.M.P. Laenen

    Staff

    • prof. dr. E.L.M.P. Laenen
    • T. Saracco
    • H. Mulder