Studies in Quantum Field Theory II
| Title | Σπουδές στην Κβαντική Θεωρία Πεδίου ΙΙ / Studies in Quantum Field Theory II |
| Code | SPE-D1 |
| Faculty | Sciences |
| School | Physics |
| Cycle / Level | 2nd / Postgraduate |
| Teaching Period | Spring |
| Coordinator | Konstantinos Siampos |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 600013327 |
Programme of Study: Graduate Studies in SubAtomic Physics and Technological Applications
Registered students: 7
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | Elective Courses | 4 | 2 | 7.5 |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Class Period | Spring |
| Faculty Instructors |
|
| Weekly Hours | 5 |
| Total Hours | 65 |
| Class ID | 600286291
|
Course Type 2021
Specific Foundation
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600286291
- At the Website of the School: http://subatomic.physics.auth.gr/courses/
- eLearning: https://elearning.auth.gr/course/view.php?id=9624
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
Prerequisites
Required Courses
- SPY-A3 Advanced Studies in Mathematical Methods in Physics
- SPE-C1 Studies in Quantum Field Theory I
Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- Understands and applies the functional formalism and Feynman rules.
- Utilizes renormalization techniques and analyzes the running of coupling constants.
- Analyzes non-Abelian field theories and the core concepts of QCD and electroweak unification.
- Understands BRST symmetry and quantum anomalies.
General Competences
- Apply knowledge in practice
- Be critical and self-critical
- Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
Functional methods. Transition amplitudes represented via functional integrals. Time-ordered products as functional derivatives. Derivation of Feynman rules using the functional formalism. Renormalization of field theories. Analysis of ultraviolet divergences in Feynman diagrams. Renormalization conditions. Counterterms. Criteria for renormalizability. Callan–Symanzik equation. Renormalization group. Running of coupling constants. Symmetries and renormalization. Effective action. Effective potential. Spontaneous symmetry breaking. Goldstone theorem. Non-Abelian field theories. Yang–Mills Lagrangian. Quantization of non-Abelian gauge theories. Fadeev–Popov Lagrangian. Ghost fields. Asymptotic freedom. Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). Interaction of quarks with colored vector bosons. The process e+e- —> hadrons. Partons and jets. Running coupling constant of strong interactions. Scaling behavior of amplitudes in high-momentum transfer processes. Chiral symmetry in QCD. Conserved axial currents. Spontaneous breaking of chiral symmetry. Pions as Goldstone bosons. Non-conservation of the isospin-zero axial current. Adler–Bell–Jackiw anomaly. Spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking. Higgs mechanism. Examples. Weinberg–Salam theory of electroweak interactions. Grand Unified Theories. Supersymmetry.
Educational Material Types
- Notes
- Book
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
Description
- Use of Zoom platform for online teaching when necessary.
- Use of the e-learning platform for uploading exercises and lecture notes.
Course Organization
| Activities | Workload | ECTS | Individual | Teamwork | Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 150 | 5 | ✓ | ||
| Tutorial | 25 | 0.8 | |||
| Project | 40 | 1.3 | ✓ | ||
| Exams | 10 | 0.3 | ✓ | ||
| Total | 225 | 7.5 |
Student Assessment
Description
- Class participation: Assessment of active participation, understanding, and ability to explain concepts.
- Problem-solving exercises: Evaluation of practical skills and applications through exercises during the semester.
- Written exams: The main method for assessing understanding of theory and application of mathematical concepts and techniques.
Student Assessment methods
- Written Assignment (Formative, Summative)
- Oral Exams (Formative)
- Written Exam with Problem Solving (Formative, Summative)
- Report (Formative)
Bibliography
Additional bibliography for study
- An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Daniel V. Schroeder and Michael Peskin, Addison-Wesley, 1995
- Advanced Quantum Field Theory, Hugh Osborn, https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/ho/AQFTNotes.pdf
Last Update
21-07-2025
