Physics

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: The goal of the course is the study of the foundations of Quantum Field Theory, starting from thee quantization of the free fields up to the introduction of the interaction of the Dirac field with the electromagnetic field (QED) and to the definition and calculation of a cross section at tree-level in perturbation theory. The student will acquire the basic concepts of the quantization of the fields and he will be able to apply the Feynman rules for the calculation of a cross section at tree-level. The know-how that the student acquires attending this course is indispensable for the advanced courses in Quantum Field Theory, in particular for the curriculum in Particle and Astroparticle Physics. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) Knowing the basis of the theory of classical and quantum fields, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian description. To be able to discuss the symmetries of a physical system and, accordingly, the conserved quantities. OF 2) Understanding the basis of the canonical quantization and its applications to the free and interacting fields. To understand the scattering matrix. OF 3) Knowing the definition and the basis of the calculation of a cross section. B - Application skills OF 5) Knowing the Feynman rules for the interaction of the Dirac and Electromagnetic fields (QED) and to be able to theoretically predict a cross section for a QED process at the tree-level in peruturbation theory. C - Autonomy of judgment OF 8) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to apply it in the more general context of Quantum Field Theory, renormalization and general higher-orders calculations in perturbation theory. D - Communication skills OF 10) Ability to discuss about the quantum theory of fields with the appropriate rigor and understanding of the approximations used E - Ability to learn OF 11) To be able to read independently scientific texts and articles in order to elaborate on the topics introduced in the course.