Field Theory in Particle Physics (NS-TP529M)
Lecturers: Bernard de Wit, Eric Laenen, Wouter Waalewijn
Tutors (UU): Adolfo Guarino, Gianluca Inverso, Jeroen Rodenburg

Classes: 3 February - 11 May 2015, Wednesdays 10:00-12:45 Classes will take place at Utrecht University, Princetonplein, De Uithof.
During 3 February - 13 April in BBG 169,
and on 4 and 11 May in BBG 165

Tutorials: 2 February - 24 May 2016, Tuesdays 9:30-12:45,
in BBG 205 until May, and in Unnik Gebouw 220 during May.

last update: 06/06/2016.

This is an inter-university course. In this course we investigate the structure and manifestations of (non-abelian) gauge theories. The Standard Model of elementary particles is an example, but we will often take a broader view. We begin with a general discussion of rigid and local symmetries, leading to the construction of gauge theories. Subsequently we discuss the quantization of gauge fields, gauge-fixing, ghost fields and Feynman rules. This enables a treatment of quantum corrections and renormalization, asymptotic freedom and chiral anomalies. Depending on the available time, we aim to discuss some aspects of Quantum Chromodynamics, spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism.

Prerequisites: a good introduction in quantum field theory, some knowledge of group theory and of Lorentz invariance.

This year the lectures will take place at the UU in Utrecht. There will be three hours of lectures (with intermissions) every Wednesday, so that the total number of lecturing days is equal to twelve. Tutorials will be organized locally at the UvA and the UU. Students attending the class from places other than Utrecht will probably be offered some financial compensation for their travel. To qualify for compensation you will have to hand in your train tickets at the end of the course.

First lecture: Wednesday 3 February 2016.
First tutorial (UU): Tuesday 2 February 2016, BBG 205.

Last lecture: 11 May 2016.
Last tutorial (UU): 24 May 2016.

Rules concerning attendance of classes and of tutorials:
For UU students the rules apply that are given in Master's Programme Theoretical Physics.
Furthermore see Facts, procedures and rules for the master program Theoretical Physics 2014-2015.

Please, pay attention to the the class attendance requirements: It is expected that all participants of a course participate by default and sign the attendance list. For the lectures this will be before the end of the first lecture of the day. For the tutorial sessions this list will circulate during the first 15 minutes of the class. In both cases, signing implies full attendance. Exceptions are discussed with the lecturer in advance.

Homework for UU students:
Every two weeks, two homework problems will be assigned at the end of the session which have to be handed in one week later at the beginning of the next tutorial at 9.30 am. For people who are late, we subtract 2 points (out of 10). Those who are much too late in handing in (we take the freedom to judge ourselves what is meant by "much too") obtain zero points. All solutions are handwritten, no latex. Also: no email, no scanned pictures with your phone or whatever that you send by email. You simply hand in the problems at the tutorial session. One of the problems will be graded (we don't tell you which one) during the consecutive week and the corrections can be discussed (and copied) in the next tutorial session. For the schedule of the problems, see the announcements on this website. For the schedule of the problems, see the announcements on this website.

Integrity and quality of hand-in work:
Hand-in exercises are an important part of the feed-back mechanism from lecturer/TA to student. The quality, readability, and exposure of this work must therefore be of such a standard that feed-back is possible and efficient. It is necessary that steps and structure are clear. It is required to rewrite and restyle actual erratic calculations in a way that allows for efficient grading. Copying solutions from previous years is not allowed, and will be checked for.

Grades and marks for UU students:
Students can pass the course in either two ways, A) or B):
  • A) The final grade is composed of 20% homework, 30% midterm, and 50% final exam. The final exam score should be at least 5.0.
  • B) The final grade is 100% composed of the final exam.

    In principle A) or B) will be adopted so that the highest grade will be granted. Note that there will only be a retake for the final and not for the midterm exam. No books, lecture notes etc. are allowed during the exams.

    Question and answer sessions (UU): We have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday ** April, from 11.00-12.30, in the ITF lecture room on the fourth floor of the Minnaert Building. Another meeting may be organized when the final exam is approaching.

    The details and the organization of the problem assignments will appear regularly here on the website.

    Midterm exam: Wednesday 20 April, BBG 023 10.30 - 12.30, covers the material up to (and including) chapter 12.
    Final exam: Wednesday 15 June, BBG 165, 10.00 - 13.00
    Retake: Wednesday 29 June, BBG 020, 10.00 - 13.00.

    Lecture notes will be made available and can be bought in Amsterdam and in Utrecht. We will announce in class when and where the next set of notes will become available. In Utrecht they can be bought from A-Eskwadraat, BBL 238, which is open from 11.30-13.30 during the week. Part 1 of the notes should be available before the start of the tutorials. Notes from previous years have become obsolete. The lecture notes are part of the text of a forthcoming book "Field Theory in Particle Physics" (de Wit, Laenen, Smith).

    Some additional material