Intro to QFT notes/texts (minimal "external guidance")

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources for self-studying Quantum Field Theory (QFT) following the cancellation of an undergraduate course. Participants seek recommendations for notes and texts that can facilitate independent learning, including potential exposure to the Standard Model (SM) and Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a need for self-study materials for QFT due to the lack of a formal course, detailing their educational background in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and some mathematical methods.
  • One participant provides links to David Tong's and John McGreevy's QFT resources as potential study materials.
  • Another participant shares links to two Amazon listings, presumably for QFT texts.
  • A further recommendation is made for a specific book described as suitable for "the gifted amateur," noted for its charm and clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on a single resource, but multiple suggestions are offered, indicating a variety of opinions on suitable materials for self-study in QFT.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of background knowledge, which may affect the suitability of recommended resources. The original poster has not studied group theory, which could limit their understanding of some QFT concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying Quantum Field Theory, particularly those with a background in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, may find the discussion and resources beneficial.

WWCY
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Hi everyone,

My university has completely scrapped an undergrad Intro to QFT course and I am essentially left with no choice but to do self-study with no (worst-case scenario) external guidance.

Are there notes or texts that can be used for such a purpose? Would be a nice bonus if there's a taster of SM/BSM stuff at the end as well.

If possible, I'd also like to know your opinions on Weigand's QFT I+II notes as I see it being recommended a lot.

Some educational background, if it's useful:

- QM: Up to Fock space, second quantisation and some QED-lite. No path-integral formulation of QM.
- EM: Up to Lagrangian formulation of EM.
- Very rudimentary understanding of Noether's theorem
- Complex methods: Some idea of how to do contour integrals and whatnot
- No group theory

Thanks in advance!
 
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Cheers, thanks!