PHYS-5464: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory

Description: Quantum mechanics in the Schrodinger, Heisenberg, and Interaction pictures. Application of quantum mechanics to a lattice of interacting harmonic oscillators. The zero-lattice-spacing and infinite-space limits of the harmonic oscillator lattice. Quantization of bosonic and fermionic fields. Quantization of scalar, spinor, and vector fields. Gauge theories. Spontaneous symmetry breaking, Goldstone bosons, and the Higgs mechanism. Applications to particle physics and condensed matter physics. Calculation of cross sections and decay rates at the tree level.

Pathways: N/A

Course Hours: 3 credits

Corequisites: N/A

Crosslist: N/A

Repeatability: N/A