Phys721 — Quantum Field Theory I

Books

There are lots of good QFT texts. Here are some that i'm familiar with:

• Peskin & Schroeder An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory. Overall the best choice for this class.
• Mandl & Shaw Quantum Field Theory. Gentle, much emphasis on QED.
• Ryder Quantum Field Theory. Emphasizes path integral approach and scalar fields.
• Brown Quantum Field Theory. Somewhat formal, emphasises path integrals. Pleasingly thorough, but annoying space-time metric.
• Weinberg Quantum Theory of Fields, Vol 1. Rather more formal, but very complete. Idiosyncratic notation takes a lot of getting used to.
• Zee Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell. Not really a textbook, but very easy to read.
• Aitchison & Hey Gauge Theories in Particle Physics. Two volume series, not really a QFT textbook, but very easy to read.

Topics

• Canonical quantization of scalar, spinor and vector fields
• Integracting field theories and Feynman diagrams
• Scattering theory
• Quantum electrodynamics
• Introduction to radiative corrections, loop diagrams and renormalization

Grading

Problem Sets: 50%, Final Exam (take-home): 50%.

Office Hours

TBD

Lecture Notes

Problem Sets