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Quantum Field Theory
In quantum field theory (QFT) we combine quantum mechanics and special relativity to come up with one of the most versatile and best tested theories in physics. It has a wide range of applications in fields as diverse as cosmology, particle, and condensed matter physics. QFT provides a natural way of modelling many body systems and explains particle annihilation and creation.Initially we will concentrate on integer spin boson fields such as spin 0 mesons and spin 1 photons. We will examine the properties of vacuum energy and how QFT explains the Casimir effect. We will then look at how QFT is applied to spin 1/2 fermions such as the electron and the neutrino. We will extensively analyse the Dirac equation and examine how electrons couple to photons. We will also derive formulas for electron-electron scattering and the Klein–Nishina formula which provides an accurate equation for the scattering of photons from electrons.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Chris Gordon
Professor Sally Seidel (Physics & Astronomy, University of New Mexico)
80% Final take home exam20% Problem sets
M. D. Schwartz; Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model ; Cambridge University Press, 2014.
Michael E. Peskin, Dan V. Schroeder; An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory ;
Zee, A; Quantum field theory in a nutshell ; 2nd ed; Princeton University Press, 2010.
Due to Dr Chris Gordon's sabbatical leave, one third of the course will be taught by Prof Sally Seidel, a particle physicist from the University of New Mexico working in the ATLAS collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider. Sally Seidel's 9 lectures will be delivered in the mid-semester break after semester 1 exams have finished, in the three weeks starting on the 25th June. The remainder of the course will be taught by Chris Gordon in semester 2 on dates to be advised.
Domestic fee $1,013.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Physical & Chemical Sciences .