VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

402-0844-00L 10 Credits DR , MSC D-PHYS , D-MATH
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Quantum Field Theory II

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Niklas Beisert
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:57

Abstract

The subject of the course is modern applications of quantum field theory with emphasis on the quantization of non-abelian gauge theories.

Objective

The goal of this course is to lay down the path integral formulation of quantum field theories and in particular to provide a solid basis for the study of non-abelian gauge theories and of the Standard Model

Content

The following topics will be covered: - path integral quantization - non-abelian gauge theories and their quantization - systematics of renormalization, including BRST symmetries, Slavnov-Taylor Identities and the Callan-Symanzik equation - the Goldstone theorem and the Higgs mechanism - gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breaking and their quantization - renormalization of spontaneously broken gauge theories and quantum effective actions

Resources

Literature

M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, "An introduction to Quantum Field Theory", Perseus (1995). S. Pokorski, "Gauge Field Theories" (2nd Edition), Cambridge Univ. Press (2000) P. Ramond, "Field Theory: A Modern Primer" (2nd Edition), Westview Press (1990) S. Weinberg, "The Quantum Theory of Fields" (Volume 2), CUP (1996).

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Field Theory II
**together with University of Zurich**
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HCI J 7)
  • Fri 09:45-11:30 (HCI J 7)
3 h weekly
exercise Quantum Field Theory II
**together with University of Zurich** Wed 8-10 or Fr 8-10
  • Wed 07:45-09:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Wed 07:45-09:30 (HIT J 52)
  • Fri 07:45-09:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Fri 07:45-09:30 (HIT K 51)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mathematics Master
    • Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area.)
      • Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0204-00L Electrodynamics is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
    • Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  • Physics Master
    • Core Courses (One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.)
  • High-Energy Physics (Joint Master with IP Paris)
  • Doctoral Department of Mathematics (More Information at: The list of courses (together with the allocated credit points) eligible for doctoral students is published each semester in the newsletter of the ZGSM. WARNING: Do not mistake ECTS credits for credit points for doctoral studies!)