Quantum Field Theory

Module PH2041

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2013/4

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
WS 2020/1	WS 2019/20	WS 2018/9	WS 2017/8	WS 2016/7	WS 2015/6	WS 2013/4	WS 2010/1

Basic Information

PH2041 is a semester module in English or German language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.

This module description is valid from WS 2013/4 to SS 2017.

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workload	Contact hours	Credits (ECTS)
300 h	110 h	10 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2041 in the version of WS 2013/4 was Michael Ratz.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

Functional (path integral) quantisation of bosonic and fermionic fields
Green functions
Perturbation expansion, Feynman diagrams
Particle states, LSZ reduction and cross sections
Gauge invariance and quantisation of non-abelian gauge theories
Ward-Takahashi identities
Loop calculations and UV regularisation
Dimensional regularisation
Renormalisation, in particular of gauge theories
Next-to-leading order effects in gauge theories (e.g. anomalous
magnetic moment, infrared divergences and soft bremsstrahlung)
Effective field theory
Renormalisation group, running couplings and masses

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the module the student will be prepared

to compute Green functions in perturbation theory, including loop corrections, and apply these to calculations of high-energy reactions;
to quantise non-Abelian gauge theory and to calculate tree- and loop processes;
to understand the concepts of regularisation and renormalisation and to apply these in calculations;
to improve perturbative calculations using the renormalisation group;
to construct effective quantum field theories.

Preconditions

no info

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

WS 2020/1 WS 2019/20 WS 2018/9 WS 2017/8 WS 2016/7 WS 2015/6 WS 2014/5 WS 2013/4 WS 2012/3 WS 2011/2 WS 2010/1

Type	SWS	Title	Lecturer(s)	Dates
VO	5	Quantum Field Theory	Beneke, M. Dybalski, W.	Wed, 14:00–16:00, PH HS1 Wed, 12:00–14:00, PH HS1 Mon, 12:00–14:00, PH HS1
UE	1	Exercise to Quantum Field Theory	Vaudrevange, P. Responsible/Coordination: Beneke, M.	dates in groups
UE	1	Large Exercise to Quantum Field Theory	Vaudrevange, P. Responsible/Coordination: Beneke, M.	Wed, 14:00–16:00, PH HS1 and singular or moved dates

Learning and Teaching Methods

The course is accompanied by homework problems.

Media

Blackboard, possibly supplemented with slides.

Literature

Peskin & Schroeder, "An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory"
Itykson & Zuber, "Quantum Field Theory"
Bailin & Love, "Introduction to Gauge Field Theories"

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

In a written exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a oral examination. In this case the time duration is 30 minutes.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.