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 Data might be outdated or incorrect.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

402-0845-61L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-PHYS

Effective Field Theories for Particle Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Adrian Signer
Special Students UZH must book the module PHY578 directly at UZH.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:40

Abstract

The focus of the course is on effective field theories (EFT) in the context of particle physics. EFT provide a framework to systematically disentangle effects due to different scales. This will be discussed both in general terms and with specific phenomenological applications in mind.

Objective

We will start by introducing the core ideas of constructing EFTs and consider cases where the effect of heavy particles or large-scale modes are integrated out. Concepts like decoupling and matching as well as applications of the method of regions and the renormalisation group will be covered. In the second part of the course several concrete examples of EFTs are presented. They allow for a consistent description of a wide variety of physical systems, from bound states with heavy quarks, jets in collider physics, non-perturbative strong interaction at low energies, to effects of heavy physics beyond the Standard Model.

Content

* Introduction to EFTs * Decoupling and matching * Renormalization group resummation * Examples of EFTs - Heavy Quark Effective Theory (HQET) - Non-Relativistic QCD and QED (NRQCD and NRQED) - Soft-Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) - Standard Model and Low Energy Effective Theory (SMEFT and LEFT) - Chiral Perturbation Theory

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
1-6, Half Grades GivenCan be repeated once.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Effective Field Theories for Particle Physics
**together with University of Zurich** More information at:
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Effective Field Theories for Particle Physics
**together with University of Zurich** More information at:
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In