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Quantum Field Theory (PHYC90008)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: msc@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look 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: 15 February 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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Two assignments totalling up to 36 pages of written work, one due early-semester and the other late-semester
| During the teaching period | 20% |
One written examination
| End of semester | 80% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jeffrey McCallum Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures/week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Email: msc@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
None
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Physics) Major Physics Informal specialisation Physics - 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.
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: 15 February 2024