Relativity, Particles, and Fields

• Special Relativity
• The action principle
• Canonical quantization of free fields
• Interacting fields
• Quantum Electrodynamics.

After successful completion of the module the students are able to:

1. Understand the principles of Special Relativity and its applications.
2. Understand the action principle and Noether's theorem in field theory.
3. Calculate the field equations and conserved quantities from a given Lagrangian density.
4. Quantize the free scalar field, Dirac field and electromagnetic field.
5. Quantize systems with interacting fields.
6. Draw Feynman diagrams and derive Feynman rules for interacting systems.
7. Calculate scattering cross sections and decay rates in simple processes in the Yukawa theory and in quantum electrodynamics.

No requirements beyond the admission requirements for a Physics Master's degree.

The module consists of a lecture and exercise classes.

In the thematically structured lecture the learning content is presented. With cross references between different topics the universal concepts in physics are shown. In scientific discussions the students are involved to stimulate their analytic-physics intellectual power.

In the exercise the learning content is deepened and exercised using problem examples and calculations. Thus the students are able to explain and apply the learned physics knowledge independently.

Lecture, board work, exercises in individual and group work

• M. Peskin & D.V. Schroeder, "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory" (Taylor & Francis)
• S. Weinberg, "Quantum Theory of Fields (Vol.1)" (Cambridge University Press)
• L. Ryder., "Quantum Field Theory" (Cambridge University Press) .

There will be a written exam of 90 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using calculation problems and comprehension questions.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Calculate field equations from a given Lagrangian density.
• Calculate the scattering cross section of the process e+e-> mu+ mu-

In the exam no learning aids are permitted.

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.

There will be a bonus (one intermediate stepping of "0,3" to the better grade) on passed module exams (4,3 is not upgraded to 4,0). The bonus is applicable to the exam period directly following the lecture period (not to the exam repetition) and subject to the condition that the student passes the mid-term of passing the voluntary test exam during the semester