NFYA06009U Quantum Field Theory 2

• Be able to explain what super symmetry is, and what motivated physicists to consider it as a possible symmetry of Nature.
• Be able to construct the N=1 super symmetry algebra as an extension of the Poincare algebra and characterize the corresponding super symmetric multiplets.
• Be able to write down simple super symmetric lagrangians, and prove their invariance under super symmetry transformations.
• Be able to show, in detail and using Feynman diagram techniques, why super symmetric theories have better UV behavior than non-super symmetric ones.
• Have a good grasp of N=1 super space, supermultiplets and super space lagrangians.
• Be familiar with the structure, particle content and predictions of the Minimal Super symmetric Standard Model.
• Be familiar with the main mechanisms of super symmetry breaking.
• Be able to describe the extended super symmetry algebra and discuss the motivation for considering extended super symmetry.
• Show a qualitative understanding of higher dimensional super symmetry, super gravity theories and the concept of Kaluza-Klein compactification.
  In addition to the above goals, at the end of the course the student is expected to have developed the following skills:
• Be able to confidently use group theory language in describing physical systems.
• Be able to apply techniques of quantum field theory to solve a range of particle physics problems related to non-abelian gauge theories and super symmetry.
• Be able to efficiently locate, extract and summarize relevant information from theoretical high energy physics research articles.

Knowledge
The course will begin with a treatment of symmetries in physics and their description using group theory. Particular topics include the Poincare group and its representations (with a focus on spinors) and an introduction to non-abelian gauge theories. The main part of the course will cover the super symmetry algebra, super symmetric lagrangians (both in component form and in super space), quantization of super symmetric theories, the Minimal Super symmetric Standard Model and super symmetry breaking. More advanced topics will include extended super symmetry, super symmetry in higher dimensions and some elements of super gravity.

Competences
This course builds on the knowledge of symmetries and Lagrangians and in particular relativistic quantum field theory obtained in previous courses.
The course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within this research field, i.e. a M.Sc. project in theoretical high energy physics. It will also provide those that plan to continue into experimental high energy physics or cosmology the necessary background to understand the physics of supersymmetric extensions of the Standard model and supersymmetric particles.
This course will provide the students with mathematical tools that have application in a range of fields within and beyond physics.