ANN: quantum field theory course.

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the announcement of a new online quantum field theory (QFT) course led by Hendrik van Hees, which will utilize Zee's textbook. Participants express their interest in the course, share their motivations for joining, and discuss related topics such as string theory and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Hendrik van Hees has started a QFT course, which will be available online on the supersymmetry web page in October.
  • Some participants express skepticism about string theory, suggesting it has not earned much attention compared to loop quantum gravity (LQG).
  • Participants indicate their motivations for joining the course, including the challenge of solving problems independently.
  • One participant requests the initiation of a Quantum Mechanics 101 course, expressing frustration over a lack of response from the instructor.
  • The instructor mentions a preference to focus on the QFT course and indicates that the Quantum Mechanics 101 course may be offered later.
  • Participants share links to additional resources and express enthusiasm for engaging with complex topics like linear vector spaces.
  • One participant suggests exploring non-commutative geometry as an alternative area of interest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the QFT course, but there is disagreement regarding the relevance and attention given to string theory versus other theories like LQG. The request for a Quantum Mechanics 101 course remains unresolved, with differing opinions on its timing and necessity.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the status and organization of the supersymmetry web page, indicating it may require updates. There are also references to prior coursework and materials that may not be fully aligned with the current discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in quantum field theory, those seeking to engage with complex physics problems, and participants looking for resources related to quantum mechanics may find this discussion beneficial.

vanesch
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Hello All,

Hendrik van Hees just started a qft course. Here's his announcement:



We just started an online qft theory course, reading along Zee's
textbook. Soon, it will be provided as a an online course at the
supersymmetry web page:

http://www.superstringtheory.com/

Since the webmaster of the page is busy at the moment, it will appear
there sometimes in October.

Since we didn't want to loose to much time, we already started as a
Yahoo Group. That's not as good as on the superstring theory page, but
better than nothing:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/qft/

In the file folder of this group you find also my own qft script (also
downloadable from my home page) and the first set of exercises (dealing
with one-particle non-relativistic qt of the harmonic oscillator.

If you are interested, you are heartily invited to join us!
 
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I would really not get involved in string theory right now. Try being neutral. It is a difficult field and has not earned much attention. I'm not sold yet on LQG, but, it has a lot more going for it at the moment.
 
Chronos said:
I would really not get involved in string theory right now. Try being neutral. It is a difficult field and has not earned much attention. I'm not sold yet on LQG, but, it has a lot more going for it at the moment.

It's not string theory, it's quantum field theory. It just happens to be at the superstringtheory site.

By the way, I'm in!
 
I just joined as well.. I'm in it more for the challenge of solving problems that I may or may not have done before, and seeing if I can do them cold turkey without too much help from the text...

But yea looks fun so far, at least until my vacation is up in a week or two.
 
Hi
Please start the Quantum mechanics 101 course.
I sent a mail to the instructor(as is given in the stringtheory site) but received no reply
Thanks in advance
 
Haelfix said:
I just joined as well.. I'm in it more for the challenge of solving problems that I may or may not have done before, and seeing if I can do them cold turkey without too much help from the text...

But yea looks fun so far, at least until my vacation is up in a week or two.


I also just joined in... Let's upgrade and refresh the old-QFT courses from university...

regards
marlon
 
poolwin2001 said:
Hi
Please start the Quantum mechanics 101 course.
I sent a mail to the instructor(as is given in the stringtheory site) but received no reply
Thanks in advance

Hi,

I was the instructor :-)
Sorry, I might have missed some messages concerning that course. I was not really planning right away to start this course again, because I wanted to concentrate on the QFT course given by Hendrik. But I will do it some time later.
Anyway, for the moment the superstringtheory site is a bit in a mess. I'd prefer Patricia (the webmaster there) to clean it up a bit, which she promised to do somewhere in october.



cheers,
Patrick.
 
vanesch said:
I was not really planning right away to start this course again, because I wanted to concentrate on the QFT course given by Hendrik.

However, I can add that if you want to read Sakurai and have questions (especially about the first 3 chapters, or the exercises, which was treated in QM101) you can always come here and ask about it. Also, I had set up a page with some extra material concerning that course, it is at:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/patrick.vanesch/NRQM_main_page.html

cheers,
Patrick.
 
Thanks vanesch

Thanks vanesch
I am off to learn some complex linear vector spaces and jump into the course
Thank you.
 
  • #11
Chronos said:
I would really not get involved in string theory right now. Try being neutral. It is a difficult field and has not earned much attention. I'm not sold yet on LQG, but, it has a lot more going for it at the moment.
Join the third party: Non Commutative Geometry
 

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