Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)
Module MATH4061: ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY IV
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH4061: ADVANCED QUANTUM THEORY IV
| Type | Open | Level | 4 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2020/21 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- (mathematics modules to the value of 100 credits in Years 2 and 3, with at least 40 credits at Level 3, and including Quantum Mechanics III (MATH3111)) OR (mathematics modules to the value of 100 credits in Years 2 and 3, with at least 40 credits at Level 3, and including Theoretical Physics 2 (PHYS2631) or Foundations Of Physics 3A (PHYS3621).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- The module is intended as an introduction to Quantum Field Theory bringing together concepts from Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics and special relativity. It discusses both free and interacting theories.
- It also provides an elementary introduction to string theory, developing the subject sufficiently to determine the spectrum and identify certain symmetries and dualities.
Content
- The action principles and the classical Lagrangian formalism of classical field theory.
- Quantisation of free scalar fields.
- Interacting quantum fields.
- Path integrals.
- String theory: the classical theory, the quantum theory, its symmetries and spectrum.
- Renormalisation and renormalisation group flow
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Having studied the module students will know the basic principles of quantum field theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics.
- be familiar with fundamental aspects of string theory (quantisation of free strings, string constraints and their algebraic description, the string spectrum)
- be able to calculate amplitudes and interaction, and understand their scale dependence
Subject-specific Skills:
- students will be able to use a variety of highly specialised and advanced technical skills in the area of theoretical elementary particle physics
Key Skills:
- students will have developed the ability to operate in complex and specialised contexts close to the cutting edge of current research
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Demonstration through lecturing and the application of theory to practical examples.
- Written assignments providing formative practice in the application of logic, rigour and extended discourse.
- Summative examinations assessing these elements, testing the acquired skills involving complex unpredictable and specialised problems in quantum field theory.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 42 | 2 per week for 20 weeks and 2 in term 3. | 1 Hour | 42 | |
| Problems Classes | 8 | Four in each of terms 1 and 2 | 1 Hour | 8 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 150 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 90% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written examination | 3 Hours | 100% | |
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 10% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Eight written assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students. | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University