Introduction
This course is Physics 582-583, which will cover Quantum Field Theory.
In many areas of Physics, such as High Energy Physics, Gravitation and
Condensed Matter Physics, the understanding of essential physical
phenomena requires the consideration of the collective effects of a
large number of degrees of freedom. Quantum Field Theory is the tool as
well as the language that has been developed to describe the physics of
problems in such apparently dissimilar fields. The aim of this course
sequence is to provide the basic tools of Field Theory to students (both
theorists and experimentalists) with a wide range of interests in
Physics. This is not a Condensed Matter course nor is it a Particle
Physics course. The ideas and tools developed here will be used in
subsequent and more specialized courses. As a prerequisite I will assume
that the students have mastered the contents of the Physics 580/581
sequence on graduate level Quantum Mechanics (or equivalent). In Physics
582 we will study the basic conceptual and computational tools of
quantum field theory. We will discuss the applications of these methods
to several areas of Physics, such as High Energy and Condensed Matter
Physics, both in the Lectures and in the Problem Sets. In Physics 583 we
will discuss more advanced topics including Gauge Theories, the
Renormalization Group and non-perturbative methods.
Announcements
2013-04-16
A correction has been made in the text of Problem set 9.
2013-02-26
The first section of Chapter 8 of the lecture notes is now available.
2013-02-25
Problem set 8 has been posted.
2013-02-03
The lectures on Feb 12 and 14 are cancelled. We will announce the make-up lecture schedule soon.
2013-01-30
Problem set 7 has been posted.
2013-01-15
Lectures start up again today at 2pm in Loomis 158.
2012-11-30
The final exam paper was handed out in class today. Solutions to all problem sets are now available on the Assignments page.
2012-11-29
The final exam will be handed out during the make-up lecture on Friday, November 30. Solutions to the exam must be handed in to the dropbox before 2pm on Saturday, December 15. No late papers will be accepted. Further instructions appear on the exam paper.
2012-11-23
The lectures that would occur on December 10 and 12 are cancelled. There will be an extended makeup lecture on Friday, November 30 at 2pm in Loomis 158.
2012-10-22
The final exam for the course is December 15. This will be the due-date of the take-home final.
2012-10-15
Chapter 3 lecture notes have received a final revision. Chapter 4 lecture notes are now available, as is Problem Set 4.
2012-10-03
Chapter 2 lecture notes have received a final revision. Chapter 3 lecture notes are now available, as is Problem Set 3.
2012-09-19
The rest of the Chapter 2 lecture notes are now available.
2012-09-18
Problem Set 2, due October 3, has been posted.
2012-09-06
It was just pointed out to me that Problem Set 1 contains material that we haven't covered in class yet. Therefore, I will renormalize the due date to September 19. Have a better weekend!
2012-08-30
Just a reminder that the first week's round of Exercises are due Monday, September 3. Please email your solutions to the TA.
2012-08-30
Problem Set 1, due September 12, has been posted.
2012-08-28
There will be no lecture on Monday, September 3 (Labor Day).
2012-08-22
Lectures will begin Monday, August 27.
2012-08-22
Problem Set 0 is available now. This is a remedial set of problems, and it will not be graded. I encourage you to work through the problems though and if necessary discuss it with us. See the Assignments page.
