FYS5120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The main aim of this course is to achieve a modern understanding of quantum field theory, with emphasis on the principles underlying the Standard Model of particle physics. In particular, the course focuses on calculations of radiative corrections (loop diagrams), the understanding of regularisation and renormalisation in quantum field theory, and the quantisation of non-Abelian gauge theories.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you are able to:
- describe how gauge symmetries lead to the construction of both Abelian and non-Abelian theories, and understand the phenomenological consequences of spontaneously breaking these symmetries (Higgs mechanism).
- explain how quantization of a non-Abelian gauge theory differs from that for an Abelian theory.
- explain the modern interpretation of UV cutoffs and effective field theory (EFT).
- explain the origin of the renormalization group, and derive beta functions for running couplings.
- perform calculations using renormalized perturbation theory.
- give an account of asymptotic freedom in QCD, and some of its main physical consequences.
- understand the structure of the standard model of particle physics and can relate its ingredients to the underlying fundamental principles.
Admission to the course
Students admitted at UiO must?apply for courses?in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Recommended previous knowledge
- FYS4170 – Relativistic Quantum Field Theory. FYS4555 – Particle Physics is highly advantageous.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS9120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory.
Teaching
- 4 hours of lectures/sessions per week
One mandatory assignment must be handed in and approved before you can sit the final exam.
You can choose whether this consists of an advanced problem set that you solve at home, or a project assignment on a topic agreed upon with the lecturer
Examination
- Written mid-term exam (4 hours) which counts 40 % of the final grade.
- Final oral exam which counts 60 % of the final grade.
This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can sit the final?exam.
It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS9120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Examination support material
Applies to the written mid-term exam:
- 3 sheets / 6 A4 pages with your own notes (written by hand or digitally, both sides of the sheet).
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.
New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.
We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.