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402-0844-00L 10 Credits MSC D-PHYS , D-MATH

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 module PHY552 directly at UZH.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:42:25

Abstract

The course discusses modern techniques and applications of relativistic quantum field theory with an emphasis on path integral quantisation of non-abelian gauge theories and spontaneous breaking of symmetries.

Objective

Command of the quantisation of non-abelian gauge theories and the breaking of symmetries therein. Understanding of the basic structures and techniques required for the theoretical study of the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

Content

topics include: - path integral quantisation (generating functionals) - non-abelian Lie groups - non-abelian gauge theories and their quantisation (Yang-Mills theory, BRST symmetry) - systematics of renormalisation (Callan-Symanzik equation) - symmetries in quantum field theory (Ward-Takahashi and Slavnov-Taylor identities, anomalies) - spontaneous symmetry breaking (Goldstone theorem, Higgs mechanism)

Resources

Literature

M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, “An introduction to Quantum Field Theory”, Westview Press (1995) C. Itzykson, J.-B. Zuber, “Quantum Field Theory”, McGraw-Hill (1980) P. Ramond, “Field Theory: A Modern Primer” (2nd Edition), Westview Press (1990) M. Srendnicki, “Quantum Field Theory”, Cambridge University Press (2007)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 35 minutes
30 minutes actual exam duration

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Field Theory II
**together with University of Zurich**
  • Tue 11:45-13:30 (HPV G 5)
  • Fri 11:45-12:30 (HPV G 5)
3 h weekly
exercise Quantum Field Theory II
**together with University of Zurich**
  • Fri 13:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.1)
  • Fri 13:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.3)
  • Fri 15:45-17:30 (HCP E 47.3)
2 h weekly

Offered In