|
Homework
Exams
Class diary
References
|
|
PHY 6648 - Quantum Field Theory I
Fall Term 2014
Time and Place: MWF Period 9 (4:05-4:55 p.m.),
1216 New Physics Building (NPB).
Instructor:
Konstantin Matchev
| Office: 2055 NPB |
Phone: 392-5709
|
|
Secretary: None
|
Email: matchev_AT_ufl.edu
|
Office hours: Friday, Period 8
(3:00-3:50 p.m.). If these hours are inconvenient, you may simply
drop by my office, chances are I will be around and, if I am free,
might be able to help you.
Textbook: The main textbook is
Michael E. Peskin and
Daniel V. Schroeder,
An
Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (Westview Press, 1995).
There are also identical older printings by another publisher, Addison-Wesley.
The authors keep a
list of known typos. Sometimes we will also use sections from
P. Ramond's textbooks,
Field Theory: A Modern Primer and
Journeys Beyond the Standard Model,
both of which are available in the bookstore.
A list of other quantum field theory books can be found
under the "References" link on the left. It is useful to
order the free pocket version
of the Particle Data Book (i.e. the Particle Physics Booklet).
Prerequisites: Graduate level knowledge of quantum mechanics.
Knowledge of classical mechanics, E&M and statistical mechanics is also very useful.
A course in differential equations is highly recommended. To test your
current math skills, see the first homework assignment.
Synopsis: We will aim to cover part I of the textbook in the Fall of 2014,
leaving (selected topics from) parts II and III for the Spring 2015 semester.
Homework: There will be approximately one homework
assignment per week, due on Fridays by 4 p.m. in the box
on my office door. Woodard's rule will apply to late homewrok, i.e.
no late homework will be accepted. You may collaborate with
others on the problems, but you must make a note of your collaborators
(just as if you were writing a scientific paper). Noting your collaborators
does not in any way detract from your grade. However, each problem set
must be written individually-do not simply copy your collaborator's
solutions verbatim (this will be considered a form of plagiarism).
Please have mercy on your grader and make your solutions neat, concise,
and intelligible. Solutions which are seriously lacking in any of
these categories will be marked down, even if they are ostensibly
``correct''.
As we progress with the material, the homework assignments will
begin to require performing a lot of calculations on a computer
using suitable (freely available) software.
Exams: In addition to the homework assignments, there will
be surprise quizzes throughout the semester and a final exam on the
last day of classes (Wednesday, December 10).
Details about the exam will be posted under the "Exams" link to the left.
There will be no midterm exams.
Grading: Each submitted homework will contribute 1% towards
your grade, up to a maximum of 10%. Each graded homework problem will
contribute a maximum of 1% of your grade. The quizzes and final exam
will account for the remainder of your grade, where a quiz question
and a final exam question will carry roughly equal weight. The lowest
quiz grade will be dropped. There will be no make-up final: you are expected to
attend the scheduled final exam. The course grades are not curved.
Holidays (no classes):
Labor Day (September 1),
Homecoming (October 17),
Veterans Day (November 11),
Thanksgiving (November 26-29).
|
Matchev's
