Field Theory in Particle Physics 1

3 EC

Semester 2, period 4

53542FTI3Y

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 2025/2026

Course content

Field Theory in Particle Physics 1 (FTIPP 1), is the first course in a series that develops the Standard Model of particle physics as a full-fledged quantum field theory. After discussing Abelian gauge theories, Ward identities, and soft-photon theorems, you will study 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 You will learn about quantum loops of gauge theories, renormalization group equations, and the connection to asymptotic freedom. You will study how quantum effects can break classical symmetries through anomalies. 

FTIPP 1 is followed by another course (FTIPP 2) which 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.

Study materials

Literature

  • We will provide readers from an upcoming book. In addition we will point towards chapters in Schwartz 'Quantum Field Theory and The Standard Model.' 

Syllabus

  • Information about the rules will appear on Canvas.

Practical training material

  • We will provide examples of exam questions. 

Objectives

  • Construction of abelian and non-abelian gauge theories.
  • Calculating quantum loops in gauge theories.
  • Understanding and computing beta functions.
  • Compute and analyze anomalies.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Self-study
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

We will present the materials during traditional lectures. We provide reading material for each lecture. In the tutorials you will work on (challenging) problems related to the material. In addition, there will be a larger homework problem that will train you in the material.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

14

Tentamen

3

Werkcollege

14

Self study

53

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

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

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    0.8 (100%)

    Tentamen

    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

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • Jordy de Vries

    I will teach this course together with Eric Laenen (the coordinator of FTIPP2).