FYS9120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Choose semester
Changes in the course due to coronavirus
Autumn 2020 and Spring 2021 the exams of most courses at the MN Faculty will be conducted as digital home exams or oral exams, using the normal grading scale. The semester page for your course will be updated with any changes in the form of examination.
Please note that there may be changes in the form of examination for some courses taught Spring 2021. We aim to bring both the course description and the semester page of all courses up to date with correct information by 1 February 2021.
See general guidelines for examination at the MN Faculty autumn 2020.
Course content
The main aim of this course is to achieve a modern understanding of quantum field theory, with emphasis on the principles underlying the Standard Model of particle physics. In particular, the course focuses on calculations of radiative corrections (loop diagrams), the understanding of regularisation and renormalization in quantum field theory, and the quantization of non-Abelian gauge theories.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you are expected to
- be able to carry out one-loop calculations in quantum electrodynamics (QED).
- explain the origin, interpretation, and cancellation of IR divergences.
- be able to carry out dimensional regularisation.
- explain the modern interpretation of UV cutoffs and effective field theory (EFT).
- explain the origin of the renormalization group, and derive beta functions for running couplings.
- perform calculations using renormalized perturbation theory.
- explain how quantization of a non-Abelian gauge theory differs from that for an Abelian theory.
- give an account of asymptotic freedom in QCD, and some of its main physical consequences.
- explain the origin and role of parton density functions.
- be able to communicate a technical topic in QFT by writing a short review article.
Admission to the course
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Recommended previous knowledge
FYS4170 – Relativistic Quantum Field Theory. FYS4560 – Elementary particle physics (discontinued) might be advantageous.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS5120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory.
Teaching
The course is offered only as a self-study in spring 2021.
Examination
- Project assignment to be handed in on topic agreed upon with lecturer (counts for 40% of the final grade)
- Final oral exam (counts for 60% of the final grade).
It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS5120 – Advanced Quantum Field Theory
Language of examination
The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more: