Particles and Fields

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4, 5

5354PAFI6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. E.L.M.P. Laenen
Part of Master Astronomy and Astrophysics, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, year 1

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

In this course we investigate the structure and manifestations of (non-abelian) gauge theories. The Standard Model of elementary particles is an example, but we will often take a broader view. We begin with a general discussion of rigid and local symmetries, leading to the construction of gauge theories. Subsequently we discuss the quantization of gauge fields: gauge-fixing, ghost fields and Feynman rules. This enables a treatment of quantum corrections and renormalization, asymptotic freedom and chiral anomalies. Depending on available time, we aim to discuss some aspects of Quantum Chromodynamics, spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism.

 

Study materials

Literature

  • B. de Wit, E. Laenen, J. Smith, 'Field Theory in Partice Physics'. Students will receive advanced drafts of the corresponding chapters and exercises in the book mentioned.

Objectives

At the end of this course, the student

  • 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
  • Understands how Quantum Chromodynamics in included in the Standard Model, and how asymptotic freedom works
  • Can compute loop corrections in Feynman diagrams
  • Comprehends both the notion and the practical application of renormalization theory

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Exercise session

The course is theoretical, focussing on concepts and applications of field theory in particle physics.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Hoorcollege

42

Werkcollege

52

Zelfstudie

74

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 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

    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

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

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Additional information

    Recommended prior knowledge: Quantum Field Theory.

    The course can be taken for credit in the Master's programme track of Theoretical Physics of both the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. E.L.M.P. Laenen