Quantum Field Theory II
This page contains materials for the graduate-level course Quantum Field Theory II, taught in the Spring semester of 2026.
This course continues from Quantum Field Theory I and develops several central topics in relativistic quantum field theory. We study Dirac fields and their quantization, discrete symmetries in quantum field theory, and the path integral formulation for fermionic fields.
The course then introduces Maxwell theory and its quantization, leading to the framework of quantum electrodynamics (QED), with emphasis on quantum fluctuations and renormalization. Finally, we give a brief introduction to gauge theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics.
📅 Course Schedule
Below is the official course schedule for Spring 2026.
📚 Course Materials
- 🗂️ Syllabus
- 📄 Lecture Notes
- 📄 Assignments
- 📄 Assignment Solutions
- 💻 [Sample code and simulations](when applicable)
🧮 Topics Covered
The course develops several central aspects of relativistic quantum field theory, with emphasis on fermionic fields and gauge interactions. The main topics include:
- Dirac equation and spinor representations
- Quantization of the Dirac field
- Fermionic propagators and spin sums
- Discrete symmetries in quantum field theory (C, P, T)
- Path integral formulation for fermionic fields
- Grassmann variables and fermionic functional integrals
- Maxwell theory as a relativistic gauge field theory
- Quantization of the electromagnetic field
- Gauge symmetry and gauge fixing
- Quantum electrodynamics (QED) and interaction with Dirac fields
- Feynman rules and tree-level scattering processes in QED
- Loop corrections and quantum fluctuations
- Regularization and renormalization in quantum field theory
- Ward identities and consequences of gauge symmetry
- Introduction to non-Abelian gauge theory
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the structure and quantization of fermionic quantum fields
- Derive and work with propagators and Feynman rules for Dirac fields and QED
- Apply the path integral formalism to fermionic fields using Grassmann variables
- Analyze discrete symmetries (C, P, and T) in relativistic quantum field theory
- Perform basic perturbative calculations in quantum electrodynamics
- Understand the origin of quantum fluctuations and loop corrections
- Apply regularization and renormalization techniques in quantum field theory
- Recognize the role of gauge symmetry in modern particle physics
🔗 External Resources
Please check this page regularly for lecture notes, assignments, and announcements.