Quantum Field Theory (PHYC90008)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2020 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2020 version of this subject
As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.

Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject introduces quantum field theory, the combination of quantum mechanics and relativity that explains the fundamental structure of matter and the physics of the early universe. The course has an emphasis on quantum electrodynamics. Specific topics will include an introduction to classical field theory, the Euler-Lagrange equations and Noether’s theorem; the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations; the quantisation of free scalar, Dirac and vector fields; covariant perturbation theory, the Smatrix and Feynman diagrams; the computation of elementary processes in quantum electrodynamics.

Intended learning outcomes

The objectives of this subject are:



  • to introduce the basic ideas of quantum field theory;
  • to understand how quantum mechanics and special relativity combine to produce realistic theories of particle creation and annihilation;
  • to develop calculational techniques to at least the level of tree-level Feynman diagrams for quantum electrodynamics;
  • to provide the foundation for more advanced studies in quantum field theory.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should have gained the ability to:

  • analyse a problem by applying fundamental laws in a sophisticated context;
  • apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
  • solve relatively complicated problems using approximations;
  • participate as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
  • manage time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.

Last updated: 27 September 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC30018 Quantum Physics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC30016 Electrodynamics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Or equivalent.

Corequisites

Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC90007 Quantum Mechanics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 27 September 2024

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Two assignments totalling up to 36 pages of written work, one due early-semester and the other late-semester

  • 36 pages
During the teaching period20%

One written examination

  • 4 hours
End of semester80%

Last updated: 27 September 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJeffrey McCallum
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures/week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020
    Last self-enrol date13 March 2020
    Census date30 April 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020
    Assessment period ends 3 July 2020

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: msc@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 27 September 2024

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

    Recommended texts and other resources

    None

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Science (Physics)
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    MajorPhysics
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 27 September 2024