Quantum Field Theory

Learn quantum field theory from lectures and by working through classic and recent papers to follow developments in the field.  Progress from a reconsideration of basic concepts in quantum effects acting on electrons and other particles, through to Feynman rules and diagrams, and Weyl and Dirac spinors.  Develop these concepts into gauge theories, field quantization, symmetry breaking, and renormalization.  Finally consider quantum chromodynamics, gravity and nuclear forces, and possibilities to unified field theory including strings.  Confirm these findings through homework exercise sets and a final examination. Due to recent developments, an emphasis is placed on random matrices and knot theory, topological field theory, and applications to topological insulators.