Is It Too Late to Learn Quantum Field Theory After Years in a Different Career?

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I had posted this in the academic forum but got no responses. I'm hoping there will be some help in this forum.

*********

About 20 years ago I was a grad student in physics and fizzled - did lots of coursework but never got a Ph.D, and have been working as an electrical engineer since.

(Note to other's who are thinking of dropping out - don't do it, you'll regret it forever.)

For the past year or so I've been reading physics again and have become very interested in quantum field theory. My study was never in this area and I find myself with a huge hole with respect to the math. I just started working through Stephen Weinberg's "Quantum Theory of Fields" but don't have the foundation for even the "foundations" text. In parallel, I've been reading "Rotations, Quaternions, and Double Groups" by Simon Altman which fills in some gaps but really not enough.

I'm soliciting advice here about how to fill in the gaps with your suggestions regarding reading material or other alternatives. I'm not opposed to attending lectures but I'm thinking that this material isn't so new that there should be lots of different ways to self-educate.

thank you - Mark Sheffield
 
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