What is after QM Core and before QFT?

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    Core Qft Qm
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the prerequisites and preparatory knowledge required before transitioning from Quantum Mechanics (QM) to Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and Quantum Electrodynamics (QED). Participants explore the gaps in understanding and the necessary subjects that may bridge this transition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a deeper understanding of graduate-level QM is necessary before approaching QFT, indicating that undergraduate courses may lack depth.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of specific topics, such as scattering theory, as mandatory prerequisites for QFT, while noting that General Relativity is not a prerequisite for QFT.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the distinction between QFT and QED courses, questioning how they could be offered at different levels of difficulty.
  • A participant mentions finding a QFT course that aligned with their knowledge level, suggesting that course labeling may not accurately reflect the content's complexity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes the necessary preparation for QFT, with some advocating for a more thorough grounding in graduate-level QM and others questioning the clarity of course offerings. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific prerequisites needed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of "Quantum Core" and the varying interpretations of course content and difficulty levels. The prerequisites for QFT are not universally agreed upon, and assumptions about prior knowledge may differ among participants.

LostConjugate
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I have completed Quantum Core courses as well as GR and it seems there is something I am missing before taking QFT/QED courses. Is there another subject between?
 
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If you've taken an undergraduate level QM class, it probably didn't go into as much detail as a graduate level class, so you might want to consider that. But in general, you're all ready to jump into the QFT pool. It will seem like there's stuff you're missing, but that's just because QFT is rather confusing until you understand why you're doing all that...
 
LostConjugate said:
I have completed Quantum Core courses as well as GR and it seems there is something I am missing before taking QFT/QED courses. Is there another subject between?

I don't know what you mean by quantum core, but there are particular chapters (scattering theory is an example) in a what Americans call <graduate> course on QM which are mandatory prerequisites before jumping into quantum field theory, the latter being defined as the formal gathering of facts giving you a description of the Standard Model of Fundamental Particles & Interactions.

General Relativity is not a prerequisite of QFT, only a necessary completion of the classical field theory courses.
 
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I found a QFT course that picked up right about where I needed to be. I think the problem was that courses labeled QED were a bit further ahead than I was ready for.
 
LostConjugate said:
I found a QFT course that picked up right about where I needed to be. I think the problem was that courses labeled QED were a bit further ahead than I was ready for.

I don't understand. How could you have had QFT and QED separately and with different levels of difficulty ?
 

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