Universität Wien
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260048 VU Modern Methods in Particle Physics (2025W)

6.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 26 - Physik
Continuous assessment of course work
We 01.10. 10:00-11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

    Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

    • Monday 06.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 08.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 13.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 15.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 20.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 22.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 27.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 29.10. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 03.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 05.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 10.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 12.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 17.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 19.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 24.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 26.11. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 01.12. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 03.12. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 10.12. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 15.12. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 17.12. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 07.01. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 12.01. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 14.01. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Monday 19.01. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien
    • Wednesday 21.01. 10:00 - 11:30 Kleiner Seminarraum, Zi.3510, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stk., 1090 Wien

    Information

    Aims, contents and method of the course

    The lecture will focus on developing Quantum Field Theory (QFT), the fundamental theory underlying Particle Physics. Specifically the lectures will focus on:
    1) Representations of the Lorentz group; scalar, spinor, and vector fields
    2) Developing the path integral formulation of QFT.
    3) Loops and concepts of renormalization and regularization in QFT.
    4) Non-Abelian gauge theory, formalism of gauge fixing and ghosts, Quantum Chromodynamics
    5) The Higgs mechanism and the Standard Model (SM)
    Given sufficient time we will:
    6) Further develop of the SM and the evidence supporting it
    7) study effective field theories, the concept of UV completeness, and the modern understanding of the SM as the low energy approximation of some (as yet unknown) more complete model

    Due to limited time the canonical approach to QFT will not be discussed. It is covered in the Bachelor's and Master's Particle Physics courses. The topic will be discussed conceptually as it the physical understanding from the canonical approach is much more intuitive than the path integral approach.

    Further information on the lecture (modalities, lecture notes, recommended text book, exercise sheets, exams) will be provided on the Moodle page of the lecture.

    Assessment and permitted materials

    Active participation in the lecture component, semi-regular homework assignments that review and further develop content from the lectures, and a take-home final exam at the end of the semester.

    Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

    The course is open to any Master's student as we will redevelop most of the prerequisite knowledge.

    However, students will find the pace of the class more comfortable if they have taken the "Introduction to Particle Physics" (bachelor) course, “Advanced Particle Physics” (master) course, and/or "Advanced Quantum Mechanics" (master) course.

    Grades will be given based on completing homework exercises and a take-home exam. The exercises complement and deepen the content of the lecture and are hence indispensable for mastering the subject and a positive evaluation. The grade will be out of 20 points, homework is worth up to 15 points, and the final exam will be worth 15 points. (i.e. you don't need all points to achieve the best grade)

    Grading Rubric:
    ≥20 points, 1
    ≥17 points, 2
    ≥14 points, 3
    ≥12 points, 4
    <12 points, 5

    Examination topics

    The final exam will test knowledge of the full lecture notes as well as the assignments. It is take home, open note, and open book. Students may discuss the exam together, but are expected to submit their own work. The lecturer will also be available for discussion of the exam while students are completing it.

    Reading list

    The primary literature will be the lecture notes which will be uploaded to Moodle regularly.

    The notes are developed primarily from:
    Textbook: Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Matthew Schwartz
    Textbook: An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, George Sterman
    Textbook: Quantum Field Theory, Mark Srednicki
    Current research articles on QFT and particle physics may also be made available on the Moodle page.

    Students are encouraged to speak to the lecturer before buying any text. Srednicki's book is available online free in draft form, occasionally Schwartz's notes (slightly different from book) are available online as well. Both books have a very different approach. Sterman's book will only be used for specific topics.

    Association in the course directory

    M-ERG, UF MA PHYS 01a, UF MA PHYS 01b

    Last modified: Fr 27.06.2025 00:02