Course guide of Field and Particle Theory (26711C2)

Curso 2025/2026
Approval date: 24/06/2025

Grado (bachelor's degree)

Bachelor'S Degree in Physics

Branch

Sciences

Module

Relatividad y Teoría de Campos y Partículas

Subject

Teoría de Campos y Partículas

Year of study

4

Semester

2

ECTS Credits

6

Course type

Elective course

Teaching staff

Theory

  • José Ignacio Illana Calero. Grupo: B
  • Manuel María Pérez-Victoria Moreno de Barreda. Grupo: A

Practice

  • José Ignacio Illana Calero Grupo: 2
  • Manuel María Pérez-Victoria Moreno de Barreda Grupo: 1

Timetable for tutorials

José Ignacio Illana Calero

Email
  • Monday de 11:00 a 13:00 (Despacho A4 Módulo)
  • Wednesday de 11:00 a 13:00 (Despacho A4 Módulo)
  • Friday de 11:00 a 13:00 (Despacho A4 Módulo)

Manuel María Pérez-Victoria Moreno de Barreda

Email
  • Tuesday de 10:00 a 12:00 (Despacho 20)
  • Wednesday de 10:00 a 12:00 (Despacho 20)
  • Thursday de 10:00 a 12:00 (Despacho 20)

Prerequisites of recommendations

It is advised to have passed the following subjects: Calculus I and II (Análisis matemático I y II), Linear Algebra and Geometry (Álgebra lineal y geometría), Mathematical Methods for Physics (Métodos matemáticos de la física), Mechanics and Wave Physics (Mecánica y ondas), Quantum Physics (Fundamentos cuánticos).

It is recommended some knowledge on Advanced Analytical Mechanics.

If AI tools are used during the course, students must adopt an ethical and responsible use of such tools. They should follow the guidelines outlined in the document “Recomendaciones para el uso de la inteligencia artificial en la UGR”, available at the following link: https://ceprud.ugr.es/formacion-tic/inteligencia-artificial/recomendaciones-ia#contenido0

Brief description of content (According to official validation report)

  • Relativistic fields (scalar fields; Dirac equation, antiparticles; vector fields; gauge symmetry).
  • Standard Model (quarks and leptons, electroweak and strong interactions; Higgs boson).
  • Elementary particle collisions and decays.

General and specific competences

General competences

  • CG01. Skills for analysis and synthesis
  • CG05. Skills for dealing with information
  • CG06. Problem solving skills
  • CG08. Critical thinking
  • CG09. Autonomous learning skills
  • CG10. Creativity

Specific competences

  • CE01. Knowing and understanding the phenomena of the most important physical theories
  • CE05. Modelling complex phenomena, translating a physical problem into mathematical language
  • CE09. Applying mathematical knowlegde in the general context of Physics

Objectives (Expressed as expected learning outcomes)

  • Understand the concept of of fields and their crucial role in the interplay of special relativity and quantum mechanics.
  • Learn and understand the physics laws that govern the subatomic world and the fundamental constituents of nature.
  • Learn how to compute observables that allow to compare experimental data with theoretical predictions in particle physics.

Detailed syllabus

Theory

  1. Introduction. Lorentz and Poincaré symmetries. Particles and Fields.
  2. Classical field theory.
  3. Quantization of free fields.
  4. Field interactions. S matrix and Feynman rules.
  5. Observables: cross sections and decay widths.
  6. Quantum Electrodynamics. Elementary processes at tree level.
  7. Gauge theories and spontaneous symmetry breaking. The Standard Model.

Practice

  1. Exercise workshops: discussion of the solutions to the proposed exercises.

Bibliography

Basic reading list

  • Maggiore, A modern introduction to quantum field theory, Oxford University Press, 2005

  • M.D. Schwartz, Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model, Cambridge University Press, 2014.

  • M.E. Peskin, D.V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Addison-Wesley, 1995.

Complementary reading

  • A. Lahiri, P.B. Pal, A first book of Quantum Field Theory, Narosa Publishing House, 2nd edition, 2005.

  • S. Weinberg, The quantum theory of fields (vols. I and II), Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Recommended links

Teaching methods

  • MD01. Theoretical classes

Assessment methods (Instruments, criteria and percentages)

Ordinary assessment session

  • Continuous evaluation: 30% of the final mark. Participation in the lectures, discussions, solution to the proposed exercises, tests.
  • Final exam: 70% of the final mark.
  • Students who are unable to attend the final assessment tests (ordinaria, extraordinaria, or evaluación única final) due to any of the circumstances listed in Artículo 9 in Normativa de evaluación y de calificación de los estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada may request evaluation due to exceptional circumstances, following the procedure indicated in the aforementioned regulation.

Extraordinary assessment session

  • Final exam covering all learning outcomes up to 100% of the final mark.

Single final assessment

  • Same a extraordinary assessment session.
  • In accordance with the UGR's Regulations on Student Assessment and Grading, a single final assessment is available for students who are unable to participate in the continuous assessment method due to any of the reasons stipulated in Article 8. To opt for this single final assessment, students must submit a request via the electronic portal within the first two weeks of the course's instruction, or within two weeks following their enrollment if it occurs later. Exceptions may be made for overriding unforeseen circumstances that arise after these initial periods. The request must clearly state and provide evidence for the reasons preventing their participation in the continuous assessment system.

Additional information

Students with Specific Educational Support Needs (NEAE): In accordance with the recommendations of CRUE and the Secretariado de Inclusión y Diversidad de la UGR, the systems for acquiring and assessing competencies described in this guide will be applied following the principle of design for all, facilitating learning and the demonstration of knowledge according to the needs and functional diversity of students. Both the teaching methodology and the assessment will be adapted for students with NEAE, in accordance with Artículo 11 in Normativa de Evaluación y de Calificación de los estudiantes de la UGR, published in the Boletín Oficial de la UGR no. 112, dated November 9, 2016. Inclusion and diversity at UGR: For students with disabilities or other NEAE, the tutoring system must be adapted to their needs, in accordance with the recommendations of the Unidad de Inclusión de la UGR, and Departments and Faculties must implement appropriate measures to ensure that tutorials take place in accessible locations. Moreover, upon request by teaching staff, support from the competent university unit may be sought when special methodological adaptations are required.

Información de interés para estudiantado con discapacidad y/o Necesidades Específicas de Apoyo Educativo (NEAE): Gestión de servicios y apoyos (https://ve.ugr.es/servicios/atencion-social/estudiantes-con-discapacidad).