Field Theory in Particle Physics 2

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

Field Theory in Particle Physics 1 (FTIPP 1), was the first course in a series that develops the Standard Model of particle physics as a full-fledged quantum field theory. There we discussed Abelian gauge theories, Ward identities, and soft-photon theorems, the construction and quantization of non-Abelian gauge theories such as quantum chromo-dynamics (QCD) and related topics such as ghost fields and BRST symmetry . Also addressed were quantum loops of gauge theories, renormalization group equations, and the connection to asymptotic freedom, and anomalies

FTIPP 2 is the advanced follow-on of this course. It  focuses on spontaneous symmetry breaking of global and gauge symmetries. We use this knowledge to construct the Standard Model of particle physics which combines spontaneous symmetry breaking with (non-)Abelian gauge symmetries. You will study in detail the strong and electroweak parts of the Standard Model, the incorporation of 3 generations of particles, Standard Model anomaly cancellation, and interesting beyond-the-Standard-Model extensions such as axions.

Note that the FTiPP2 lectures are at Utrecht University. Tutorials and exams will be in Amsterdam.

Study materials

Literature

• We will provide Readers to the students from an upcoming book on Field Theory in Particle Physics. In addition we will point towards chapters in Schwartz 'Quantum Field Theory and The Standard Model.'

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

• Lecture
• Self-study

Learning activities

Attendance

Additional requirements for this course:

We will not track attendance but there are no lecture recordings.

Assessment

There are HW assignments that together weigh 20% of the grade but only if the homework improves the total grade. The homework only counts if the final exam is a 5 or higher. There will be resit for the regular exam but not for the homework assignment.

Inspection of assessed work

The homework will be discussed in detail during the tutorial sessions. After the exam we will plan a moment to inspect it.

Assignments

Assignments have to be handed in individually but you can work together.

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

Contact information

Coordinator

• prof. dr. E.L.M.P. Laenen

I will teach this course together with Jordy de Vries (the coordinator of FTIPP1).