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PHY 6648 - Quantum Field Theory I
Fall Term 2012

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@phys.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 2012, leaving (selected topics from) parts II and III for the Spring 2013 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 a take-home final which will be available on the last day of classes (Wednesday, December 5). Details about the exam will be posted under the "Exams" link to the left. There will be no midterm exams.

Grading:
The homework will count for 70% and the final for 30% of your final grade. The course grades are not curved.

Holidays (no classes):
Labor Day (September 3), Homecoming (November 9), Veterans Day (November 12), Thanksgiving (November 21-24).

Last modified: 17 August 2012