Course content

Lorentz invariance and second quantization, classical field theory and classical symmetries, perturbation theory, S-matrix and LSZ, Feynman rules, quantum electrodynamics (QED), spin-1 and gauge invariance, spinors, spinor solutions and CPT, spin and statistics, path integrals, Casimir effect, renormalized perturbation theory, infrared divergence, renormalizability, and non-renormalizable theories.

Learning outcome

By the end of the course, students will understand the theoretical foundations of relativistic quantum field theory and be able to construct and quantize Lorentz-invariant field models, analyze their symmetries, and compute scattering amplitudes using perturbative methods. They will acquire practical skills in applying path-integral and canonical formalisms, gauge invariance, and renormalization techniques, and be able to interpret key physical phenomena such as the Casimir effect and quantum vacuum fluctuations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and problem sessions. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Joint lectures with FY8914.

Recommended previous knowledge

FY3403 Particle Physics

Required previous knowledge

TFY4205 Quantum Mechanics II

Students are expected to have a solid foundation in quantum mechanics.

Course materials

Main Textbook: Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Matthew Schwartz

Recommended Textbooks:

1- Lectures on Quantum Field Theory, David Tong

2- Quantum Field Theory: An integrated approach, Eduardo Fradkin

3- An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Michael Peskin and Daniel Schroeder

4- Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell, Anthony Zee

Credit reductions