29::247 Introduction to Quantum Field Theory Syllabus

Fall Semester 2008

Instructor: Prof. Yannick Meurice

Coordinates

Course Content


This is a first introduction to the theory of quantum fields. We will discuss the relativistic and non-relativistic theory of free bosonic  and fermionic  fields, the perturbative treatment of their interactions
(Feynman rules) and introduce Quantum Electrodynamics. Elementary applications
in condensed matter (superfluidity and superconductivity) and particle physics will be discussed.
A more detailed description of the course content will be given in class.

Textbooks

Main textbooks: 

M. Peskin and D. Schroeder,  Quantum Field Theory, Addison Wesley, 1995.

R. Mattuck, A guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem,  second edition, Dover, 1967.

Other textbooks:

A. Atland and B. Simons, Condensed Matter Field Theory, Cambridge, 2006.

A. Fetter and J. Walecka, Quantum Theory of Many-Particle Systems, Dover, 2003.

G. Mahan,  Many-Particle Physics,  second edition,  Plenum, 1990.

J. J. Sakurai, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Addison Wesley, 1967.

I. Montvay and G. Munster, Quantum Field on a Lattice, Cambridge, 1997.

N. Nagaosa, Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics, Springer, 1999.

S. Weinberg,  The Quantum Theory of Fields , Cambridge, 1994.

C. Itzykson and J.B. Zuber,  Quantum Field Theory, Mc Graw Hill, 1980.

R. Feynman and A. Hibbs, Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals, Mc Graw Hill, 1965.

M. Stone,  The Physics of Quantum Fields, Springer, 2000.

Homeworks

A reading assignment and/or a problem set will be provided each week during the class.

Examinations and Final Grade

There will be two in-class exams during the semester and one final exam during the exam week. The final grade will be calculated in the following way: 30 points for the homeworks, 40 points for the in-class exams and 30 points for the final exam.
Tentative dates for the midterms are October 9 and November 20. The final exam will be on Friday December 19 at 2:15 PM
according to the Final Exam Schedule .

Class Attendance

Attendance at lectures is highly recommended but not required. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions during the lectures. There are no ``stupid questions''.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY MAIN OFFICE


PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT COMPLAINTS

PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING

A student suspected of plagiarism or cheating must inform the student in writing as soon as possible after the incident has been observed or discovered.  Instructors who detect cheating or plagiarism may decide, in consultation with the departmental executive officer, to reduce the student's grade on the assignment or the course, even to assign an F. The instructor writes an account of the chronology of the plagiarism or cheating incident for the DEO (Associate Chair), who sends an endorsement of the written report of the case to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, CLAS. A copy of the report will be sent to the student.

A detailed policy is printed in the Schedule of Courses and the College's Student Academic Handbook.

AMOUNT OF WORK EXPECTED

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES